Chapter 33Missouri’s Third Attempt to Capture Joseph Smith1843Conspiracy Against Joseph SmithWhen John C. Bennett wrote to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt, saying he was on his way to Missouri to obtain a new requisition for Joseph Smith and others, it was not an idle threat. Not many weeks had passed before reports reached Nauvoo that new indictments had been found against President Smith, based on the old Missouri charges, and that John C. Bennett was making desperate threats. Moreover, Bennett must have had some definite information which caused him to say that Governor Ford would acknowledge the new requisition. A conspiracy, evidently, was on foot, in which the governors of the two states were to play their parts. Further evidence that Governor Ford was a party to the conspiracy is discovered in a communication dated June 10, 1843, from Sam C. Owens of Independence, to the governor of Illinois. Owens, one of the bitterest persecutors of the Saints in Missouri, stated in his letter that John C. Bennett had authorized him to write to Governor Ford, “without hesitation” in regard to the charges against Joseph Smith. “At the last term of the circuit court of Daviess County,” he wrote, “an indictment was found by the grand jury against Joseph Smith for treason against the state,” and necessary papers were on the way to Governor Thomas Reynolds, who, on receipt thereof, would issue a requisition, and Mr. Joseph H. Reynolds would be sent as a special agent “to attend to the business.” Owens also said that “Dr. Bennett further writes that he has made an agreement with Harmon T. Wilson, of Hancock County (Carthage seat of justice), in whose hands he wishes the writ that shall be issued by you to be put. From the tenor of his letter I am induced to believe that he has made the same suggestion to you.”A Warrant for His ArrestJune 13, 1843, Governor Reynolds issued the requisition and Joseph H. Reynolds was dispatched to Illinois. Governor Ford lost no time in issuing the warrant for the arrest and placed it in the hands of Harmon T. Wilson, who, with Reynolds, immediately started for their prisoner. The night before the warrant was issued Governor Ford incidentally remarked to Judge James Adams that the next day he would issue such a writ. Judge Adams sent an express at once to Nauvoo to warn the Prophet of impending danger. His message arrived in the evening of Sunday, June 18, but President Smith was not at home. On the 13th, he and his family had gone north to visit with Mrs. Wasson, sister of Emma Smith, who resided near Dixon, Lee County, Illinois. Hyrum Smith sent William Clayton and Stephen Markham on horse back with all speed to warn his brother Joseph. They arrived at Wasson’s on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 21, a distance of two hundred and twelve miles. Hearing their report, Joseph said: “I have no fear. I shall not leave here; I shall find friends, and Missourians cannot hurt me, I tell you in the name of the Lord.” He cancelled an appointment to preach in Dixon, and concluded to remain with the Wassons, fearing that if he started for home he might fall into the hands of his enemies where he had no friends.His Arrest by Reynolds and WilsonFrom some source Reynolds and Wilson learned that Joseph was at Dixon and thither they went with haste. On the way to Wasson’s they passed William Clayton, who had been sent to spy out the land, but as they were disguised, Clayton did not know them. Arriving at their destination the sheriffs represented themselves to be “Mormon” elders and were directed to the Wasson home. President Smith was in the yard when they arrived. Springing upon him like fiends, and without showing any papers for his arrest, they pointed cocked pistols at his head and with many vile oaths, threatened to shoot him if he stirred. They repeatedly jabbed the muzzles of their pistols in his ribs, and were for hurrying him off to Dixon without giving him a chance to say farewell to his family or friends, or obtain his hat and coat. Stephen Markham grabbed the horses by the bits and held them saying: “There is no law on earth that requires a sheriff to take a prisoner without his clothes.” They threatened to shoot him, but he paid no heed to their threats, and Emma Smith brought her husband his hat and coat. As the wagon rolled away, Joseph called to Markham to go to Dixon and secure a writ of habeas corpus. On the way the officers repeatedly thrust their pistols in the Prophet’s sides with accompanying oaths of blasphemy, and did not desist until shortly before reaching Dixon, when Markham, who had overtaken them, upbraided them for their cowardice and brutal treatment of their prisoner, who was defenseless.Arriving at Dixon, the officers placed their prisoner in a room of the tavern, and ordered fresh horses to be ready in five minutes. Joseph asked them if he could interview counsel, but was cruelly treated for his request. A man passed the window and the Prophet shouted to him to secure him a lawyer, for he was falsely imprisoned. Attorney Edward Southwick came to the door, but it was shut in his face, with a threat. Shepherd G. Patrick, another attorney, also came and was insulted in like manner. The neighborhood was soon aroused, and Mr. Dixon, owner of the house, with some friends surrounded the door and threatened violence to the inhuman sheriffs if they did not alter their brutal course. This had a sobering effect upon them, and lawyers Southwick and Patrick came into the room. President Smith showed them his bruised sides, and asked them to obtain a writ of habeas corpus. A messenger was sent by Mr. Dixon to Mr. Chamberlain, master-in-chancery, who lived some six miles away, and another messenger was sent for Attorney Cyrus Walker, who happened to be campaigning near that place. Walker, Whig candidate for Congress, said he would come provided Joseph Smith would promise to vote for him, which the latter said he would do. This promise, Walker thought, would give him the united vote of the “Mormon” people, which would insure his election. About eight o’clock the master-in-chancery arrived and issued a writ of habeas corpus returnable before Judge John D. Caton, of the ninth judicial district, at Ottawa, which was served on Reynolds and Wilson. The same day William Clayton was sent by the Prophet to notify his brother Hyrum, and get assistance.Reynolds and Wilson Under ArrestStephen Markham went before a justice of the peace and obtained a warrant for Reynolds and Wilson for threatening his life. He later obtained other warrants from the circuit court of Lee County against them for threatening the life of Joseph Smith, and for false imprisonment, claiming ten thousand dollars damages, on the ground that the writ issued by Governor Ford was a void writ in law. As they could not obtain bondsmen outside of Missouri, they were taken into custody by Sheriff Campbell of Lee County. They also obtained a writ of habeas corpus and under these circumstances the entire party, including the lawyers and Mr. Dixon, started for Ottawa.President Joseph Smith’s Discourse at Pawpaw GroveSaturday night, June 24, they arrived at Pawpaw Grove, thirty-two miles distant from Dixon, and the following morning the people assembled at the hotel and requested that the Prophet preach. To this Reynolds objected, saying that Joseph Smith was his prisoner, and the people must disperse. They had witnessed his abuse of his prisoner, and a Mr. David Town, an aged gentleman, who was lame, advanced and gave Reynolds to understand that he could not interrupt gentlemen. Bringing his heavy walking stick down with a thud, he said:“You—Infernal puke, we’ll learn you to come here and interrupt gentlemen. Sit down there (pointing to a very low chair), and sit still. Don’t open your head till General Smith gets through talking. If you never learned manners in Missouri, we’ll teach you that gentlemen are not to be imposed upon by a nigger-driver. You cannot kidnap men here, if you do in Missouri; and if you attempt it here, there’s a committee in this grove that will sit on your case; and, sir, it is the highest tribunal in the United States, asfrom its decision there is no appeal!”Reynolds very meekly and in fear took the seat while President Smith addressed the people for one hour and a half.The Issuing of New WritsIt was learned that Judge Caton was in New York, so they all returned to Dixon, where new writs were obtained, made returnable before the nearest tribunal in the fifth judicial district, at Markham’s request. Provision was now made to go to Quincy, where Judge Stephen A. Douglas was holding court. Twice on the way Reynolds and Wilson engaged in plots to raise mobs and carry Joseph Smith to the mouth of Rock River where there was a company from Missouri waiting to receive him; but each time the plans were discovered and foiled.On the way Joseph convinced Sheriff Campbell and the attorneys that the court of Nauvoo was nearer than that of Quincy, and had full power to try his case, and hither they bent their way. Reynolds and Wilson endeavored to get Sheriff Campbell, who had them in custody, to go by way of Rock River, to Quincy, not knowing that their plots were discovered, saying that they would never go through Nauvoo alive. Joseph Smith pledged his word of honor that they would not be molested, and the journey was resumed by land in the direction of Nauvoo.A Party to the RescueWilliam Clayton arrived in Nauvoo on Sunday, June 25, 1843, and at the afternoon meeting in the temple Hyrum Smith requested to see all the brethren. He informed them of his brother Joseph’s arrest, and called for volunteers to go to his assistance. That evening a company of about one hundred and seventy-five men left on horseback. Wilson Law refused to go unless his expenses could be met, whereupon President Brigham Young went to work and raised seven hundred dollars by subscription. About seventy-five men on board theMaid of Iowa, under Captain Dan Jones, went down the Mississippi to the mouth of the Illinois River, thence up that river toward Peoria, to examine the steamboats, suspecting the Prophet might be forced on one of them to be carried down the river to Missouri.Shortly after the party with the Prophet left Geneseo on the 27th, the advance guard of the brethren, nine in all, from Nauvoo came up, and Reynolds and Wilson began to tremble fearing for their lives. Reynolds asked if “Jim” Flack was in the crowd. When he was informed that he would be present the next day, the criminal sheriff replied: “Then I am a dead man; for I know him of old.” When Stephen Markham, who had gone to locate the brethren from Nauvoo, rode up, Reynolds said, “Do I meet you as a friend? I expected to be a dead man when I met you again,” but he was assured that he would not be hurt. Thursday, June 29, James Flack with others of the brethren met the company a short distance south of Monmouth. President Joseph Smith took Flack to one side and charged him not to harm Reynolds, for he had given his word of honor that he would not be injured. This Flack promised to do although he had cause for vengeance.Arrival at NauvooOther bodies of men from Nauvoo joined the company from time to time and when they reached that place there were about one hundred and forty riding on horse back, who were joined by the populace in procession and thus they marched into the town. President Smith was greeted with cheers and the firing of cannon. He was still a prisoner in the hands of Reynolds and Wilson, and they in turn were prisoners in the hands of Sheriff Campbell. The Prophet took them to his house and placed Reynolds and Wilson at the head of the table, where about fifty persons were served. This was a very different reception from the one he had received from these men when they took him prisoner in Lee County, at the Wasson home.The Trial Before the Municipal CourtThe same day they arrived in Nauvoo the municipal court convened, and a requisition was made on Reynolds to return the writ, but he refused to recognize the summons, whereupon the Prophet petitioned the court for a writ of habeas corpus to be directed to Reynolds, commanding him to bring his prisoner before the court. The summons was issued and Reynolds complied with the attachment and delivered the Prophet into the hands of the marshal of the city. That afternoon President Smith addressed the people at great length, declaring that he would not peacefully submit again to such ill-treatment. While he was speaking Reynolds and Wilson with a lawyer named Davis, of Carthage, left for that place threatening to raise the militia and come again and take President Smith out of Nauvoo.Saturday, July 1, 1843, the court convened to examine the writ of habeas corpus. Messrs. Cyrus Walker, Shepherd G. Patrick, Edward Southwick and a Mr. Backman defended Joseph Smith while Attorney Mason was counselor for Reynolds. Witnesses were examined and the case tried on its merits, Hyrum Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young, George W. Pitkin, Lyman Wight and Sidney Rigdon giving testimony, at the conclusion of which the prisoner was discharged.The Citizens of Lee County ThankedJuly 1, 1843, a mass meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo was held in the assembly hall and it was “unanimously resolved that Messrs. Sager and Dixon, of the town of Dixon, and the citizens of Dixon, Pawpaw Grove, and Lee County, receive the warmest thanks for the firm patriotism, bold and decided stand taken against lawless outrage and the spirit of mobocracy, as manifested in the arrest or capture of General Joseph Smith, while on a visit to his friends in that district of country.”Reynolds’ Further Attempt to Obtain Joseph SmithThe proceedings of the municipal court of Nauvoo in this case were promptly forwarded to Governor Ford, with affidavits from the attorneys and others bearing upon the case and the kindly treatment Reynolds and Wilson had received in Nauvoo. Judge James Adams came from Carthage with the information that Reynolds and Wilson were exciting the people there to mobocracy, and petitioning the governor for a posse forcibly to take Joseph Smith, on the grounds that he had been unlawfully taken out of their hands. A remonstrance against the Carthage proceedings was prepared and forwarded to Carthage by Messrs. Southwick and Patrick, and a petition was sent to Governor Ford praying him not to issue any more writs.Governor Ford refused to comply with the request of Sheriff Reynolds, and subsequently, when Governor Reynolds of Missouri requested him to call out the militia—a method they had of doing in Missouri—to retake Joseph Smith, Governor Ford replied that Joseph Smith had been tried before the municipal court of Nauvoo on a writ of habeas corpus, and discharged from arrest. He, as governor, had fully executed the duty which the laws imposed, and had not “been resisted either in the writ issued for the arrest of Smith or in the person of the officer appointed to apprehend him,” and the constitution would not permit him to take such action, as the Missouri official proposed.The Case of O. P. RockwellOrrin Porter Rockwell, who was accused as the principal in the shooting of ex-Governor Boggs, went into retirement with the Prophet when Governor Ford issued papers for his extradition. He traveled east as far as New Jersey where he remained for some time. Following the discharge of President Joseph Smith by Judge Pope, Rockwell concluded to return to Nauvoo, evidently by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. In St. Louis he was recognized by Elias Parker who had him placed under arrest, March 4, 1843. They carried him to Independence in chains, where he was placed under bonds in the sum of five thousand dollars, which they knew he could not raise, as no person outside of Missouri would be accepted by the court as bondsman. In the custody of the notorious Joseph H. Reynolds, sheriff of Jackson County, he was cast into prison bound hand and foot. Here he remained a prisoner for eight months. March 15, 1843, the Prophet wrote: “I prophesied in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that Orrin Porter Rockwell would get away honorably from the Missourians.”On Christmas evening, 1843—the last Christmas day Joseph and Hyrum Smith celebrated on earth—a large party assembled at the Prophet’s home, and spent the time in music, dancing and a social visit. During the festivities, a man with long shaggy hair, apparently drunk, came in and acted like a Missourian. A scuffle ensued and the Prophet had an opportunity to see the stranger’s face. To his great surprise and joy he discovered his “long-tried, warm, but cruelly persecuted friend, Orrin Porter Rockwell.” The party came to order while Rockwell related in detail his experiences and sufferings while in Missouri.Orrin P. Rockwell’s StoryThe story is too long to tell in full at this point. It is sufficient to relate the following incidents. When he arrived in Independence a large crowd had gathered and suggested hanging him at once, but he was placed in jail. In two or three days he underwent a mock trial, where false witnesses testified against him. The magistrate said he found no evidence against him, but placed him in prison for safe keeping, where Sheriff Reynolds chained him hand and foot. One time he was able to escape, but was recaptured and only by the providence of the Lord was saved from being hanged. About the time that President Smith was demanded by the governor of Missouri, Reynolds, the sheriff, came to Rockwell and said that he had discovered from letters that Joseph Smith had unlimited confidence in Rockwell, and if Rockwell would only “tote him out by riding or any other way,” so that the Missourians might apprehend him, Rockwell might please himself whether he stayed in Illinois or returned to Missouri, they would protect him, and any pile that he would name the citizens of Jackson County, would club together and raise. “You only deliver Joe Smith into our hands, and name your pile.” Rockwell replied: “I will see you all damned first, and then I won’t.”The time of further trial was continually delayed, but on the 13th of December, he was taken before the court and tried—not on the charge of shooting Boggs, but for breaking jail! He was found guilty and sentenced to “five minutes’ imprisonment in the county jail,” but was kept there five hours, while his enemies tried to think of some other charge to make against him. He was finally released and with great difficulty made his way to Nauvoo, where he arrived that Christmas night.
Missouri’s Third Attempt to Capture Joseph Smith
1843
When John C. Bennett wrote to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt, saying he was on his way to Missouri to obtain a new requisition for Joseph Smith and others, it was not an idle threat. Not many weeks had passed before reports reached Nauvoo that new indictments had been found against President Smith, based on the old Missouri charges, and that John C. Bennett was making desperate threats. Moreover, Bennett must have had some definite information which caused him to say that Governor Ford would acknowledge the new requisition. A conspiracy, evidently, was on foot, in which the governors of the two states were to play their parts. Further evidence that Governor Ford was a party to the conspiracy is discovered in a communication dated June 10, 1843, from Sam C. Owens of Independence, to the governor of Illinois. Owens, one of the bitterest persecutors of the Saints in Missouri, stated in his letter that John C. Bennett had authorized him to write to Governor Ford, “without hesitation” in regard to the charges against Joseph Smith. “At the last term of the circuit court of Daviess County,” he wrote, “an indictment was found by the grand jury against Joseph Smith for treason against the state,” and necessary papers were on the way to Governor Thomas Reynolds, who, on receipt thereof, would issue a requisition, and Mr. Joseph H. Reynolds would be sent as a special agent “to attend to the business.” Owens also said that “Dr. Bennett further writes that he has made an agreement with Harmon T. Wilson, of Hancock County (Carthage seat of justice), in whose hands he wishes the writ that shall be issued by you to be put. From the tenor of his letter I am induced to believe that he has made the same suggestion to you.”
June 13, 1843, Governor Reynolds issued the requisition and Joseph H. Reynolds was dispatched to Illinois. Governor Ford lost no time in issuing the warrant for the arrest and placed it in the hands of Harmon T. Wilson, who, with Reynolds, immediately started for their prisoner. The night before the warrant was issued Governor Ford incidentally remarked to Judge James Adams that the next day he would issue such a writ. Judge Adams sent an express at once to Nauvoo to warn the Prophet of impending danger. His message arrived in the evening of Sunday, June 18, but President Smith was not at home. On the 13th, he and his family had gone north to visit with Mrs. Wasson, sister of Emma Smith, who resided near Dixon, Lee County, Illinois. Hyrum Smith sent William Clayton and Stephen Markham on horse back with all speed to warn his brother Joseph. They arrived at Wasson’s on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 21, a distance of two hundred and twelve miles. Hearing their report, Joseph said: “I have no fear. I shall not leave here; I shall find friends, and Missourians cannot hurt me, I tell you in the name of the Lord.” He cancelled an appointment to preach in Dixon, and concluded to remain with the Wassons, fearing that if he started for home he might fall into the hands of his enemies where he had no friends.
From some source Reynolds and Wilson learned that Joseph was at Dixon and thither they went with haste. On the way to Wasson’s they passed William Clayton, who had been sent to spy out the land, but as they were disguised, Clayton did not know them. Arriving at their destination the sheriffs represented themselves to be “Mormon” elders and were directed to the Wasson home. President Smith was in the yard when they arrived. Springing upon him like fiends, and without showing any papers for his arrest, they pointed cocked pistols at his head and with many vile oaths, threatened to shoot him if he stirred. They repeatedly jabbed the muzzles of their pistols in his ribs, and were for hurrying him off to Dixon without giving him a chance to say farewell to his family or friends, or obtain his hat and coat. Stephen Markham grabbed the horses by the bits and held them saying: “There is no law on earth that requires a sheriff to take a prisoner without his clothes.” They threatened to shoot him, but he paid no heed to their threats, and Emma Smith brought her husband his hat and coat. As the wagon rolled away, Joseph called to Markham to go to Dixon and secure a writ of habeas corpus. On the way the officers repeatedly thrust their pistols in the Prophet’s sides with accompanying oaths of blasphemy, and did not desist until shortly before reaching Dixon, when Markham, who had overtaken them, upbraided them for their cowardice and brutal treatment of their prisoner, who was defenseless.
Arriving at Dixon, the officers placed their prisoner in a room of the tavern, and ordered fresh horses to be ready in five minutes. Joseph asked them if he could interview counsel, but was cruelly treated for his request. A man passed the window and the Prophet shouted to him to secure him a lawyer, for he was falsely imprisoned. Attorney Edward Southwick came to the door, but it was shut in his face, with a threat. Shepherd G. Patrick, another attorney, also came and was insulted in like manner. The neighborhood was soon aroused, and Mr. Dixon, owner of the house, with some friends surrounded the door and threatened violence to the inhuman sheriffs if they did not alter their brutal course. This had a sobering effect upon them, and lawyers Southwick and Patrick came into the room. President Smith showed them his bruised sides, and asked them to obtain a writ of habeas corpus. A messenger was sent by Mr. Dixon to Mr. Chamberlain, master-in-chancery, who lived some six miles away, and another messenger was sent for Attorney Cyrus Walker, who happened to be campaigning near that place. Walker, Whig candidate for Congress, said he would come provided Joseph Smith would promise to vote for him, which the latter said he would do. This promise, Walker thought, would give him the united vote of the “Mormon” people, which would insure his election. About eight o’clock the master-in-chancery arrived and issued a writ of habeas corpus returnable before Judge John D. Caton, of the ninth judicial district, at Ottawa, which was served on Reynolds and Wilson. The same day William Clayton was sent by the Prophet to notify his brother Hyrum, and get assistance.
Stephen Markham went before a justice of the peace and obtained a warrant for Reynolds and Wilson for threatening his life. He later obtained other warrants from the circuit court of Lee County against them for threatening the life of Joseph Smith, and for false imprisonment, claiming ten thousand dollars damages, on the ground that the writ issued by Governor Ford was a void writ in law. As they could not obtain bondsmen outside of Missouri, they were taken into custody by Sheriff Campbell of Lee County. They also obtained a writ of habeas corpus and under these circumstances the entire party, including the lawyers and Mr. Dixon, started for Ottawa.
Saturday night, June 24, they arrived at Pawpaw Grove, thirty-two miles distant from Dixon, and the following morning the people assembled at the hotel and requested that the Prophet preach. To this Reynolds objected, saying that Joseph Smith was his prisoner, and the people must disperse. They had witnessed his abuse of his prisoner, and a Mr. David Town, an aged gentleman, who was lame, advanced and gave Reynolds to understand that he could not interrupt gentlemen. Bringing his heavy walking stick down with a thud, he said:
“You—Infernal puke, we’ll learn you to come here and interrupt gentlemen. Sit down there (pointing to a very low chair), and sit still. Don’t open your head till General Smith gets through talking. If you never learned manners in Missouri, we’ll teach you that gentlemen are not to be imposed upon by a nigger-driver. You cannot kidnap men here, if you do in Missouri; and if you attempt it here, there’s a committee in this grove that will sit on your case; and, sir, it is the highest tribunal in the United States, asfrom its decision there is no appeal!”
“You—Infernal puke, we’ll learn you to come here and interrupt gentlemen. Sit down there (pointing to a very low chair), and sit still. Don’t open your head till General Smith gets through talking. If you never learned manners in Missouri, we’ll teach you that gentlemen are not to be imposed upon by a nigger-driver. You cannot kidnap men here, if you do in Missouri; and if you attempt it here, there’s a committee in this grove that will sit on your case; and, sir, it is the highest tribunal in the United States, asfrom its decision there is no appeal!”
Reynolds very meekly and in fear took the seat while President Smith addressed the people for one hour and a half.
It was learned that Judge Caton was in New York, so they all returned to Dixon, where new writs were obtained, made returnable before the nearest tribunal in the fifth judicial district, at Markham’s request. Provision was now made to go to Quincy, where Judge Stephen A. Douglas was holding court. Twice on the way Reynolds and Wilson engaged in plots to raise mobs and carry Joseph Smith to the mouth of Rock River where there was a company from Missouri waiting to receive him; but each time the plans were discovered and foiled.
On the way Joseph convinced Sheriff Campbell and the attorneys that the court of Nauvoo was nearer than that of Quincy, and had full power to try his case, and hither they bent their way. Reynolds and Wilson endeavored to get Sheriff Campbell, who had them in custody, to go by way of Rock River, to Quincy, not knowing that their plots were discovered, saying that they would never go through Nauvoo alive. Joseph Smith pledged his word of honor that they would not be molested, and the journey was resumed by land in the direction of Nauvoo.
William Clayton arrived in Nauvoo on Sunday, June 25, 1843, and at the afternoon meeting in the temple Hyrum Smith requested to see all the brethren. He informed them of his brother Joseph’s arrest, and called for volunteers to go to his assistance. That evening a company of about one hundred and seventy-five men left on horseback. Wilson Law refused to go unless his expenses could be met, whereupon President Brigham Young went to work and raised seven hundred dollars by subscription. About seventy-five men on board theMaid of Iowa, under Captain Dan Jones, went down the Mississippi to the mouth of the Illinois River, thence up that river toward Peoria, to examine the steamboats, suspecting the Prophet might be forced on one of them to be carried down the river to Missouri.
Shortly after the party with the Prophet left Geneseo on the 27th, the advance guard of the brethren, nine in all, from Nauvoo came up, and Reynolds and Wilson began to tremble fearing for their lives. Reynolds asked if “Jim” Flack was in the crowd. When he was informed that he would be present the next day, the criminal sheriff replied: “Then I am a dead man; for I know him of old.” When Stephen Markham, who had gone to locate the brethren from Nauvoo, rode up, Reynolds said, “Do I meet you as a friend? I expected to be a dead man when I met you again,” but he was assured that he would not be hurt. Thursday, June 29, James Flack with others of the brethren met the company a short distance south of Monmouth. President Joseph Smith took Flack to one side and charged him not to harm Reynolds, for he had given his word of honor that he would not be injured. This Flack promised to do although he had cause for vengeance.
Other bodies of men from Nauvoo joined the company from time to time and when they reached that place there were about one hundred and forty riding on horse back, who were joined by the populace in procession and thus they marched into the town. President Smith was greeted with cheers and the firing of cannon. He was still a prisoner in the hands of Reynolds and Wilson, and they in turn were prisoners in the hands of Sheriff Campbell. The Prophet took them to his house and placed Reynolds and Wilson at the head of the table, where about fifty persons were served. This was a very different reception from the one he had received from these men when they took him prisoner in Lee County, at the Wasson home.
The same day they arrived in Nauvoo the municipal court convened, and a requisition was made on Reynolds to return the writ, but he refused to recognize the summons, whereupon the Prophet petitioned the court for a writ of habeas corpus to be directed to Reynolds, commanding him to bring his prisoner before the court. The summons was issued and Reynolds complied with the attachment and delivered the Prophet into the hands of the marshal of the city. That afternoon President Smith addressed the people at great length, declaring that he would not peacefully submit again to such ill-treatment. While he was speaking Reynolds and Wilson with a lawyer named Davis, of Carthage, left for that place threatening to raise the militia and come again and take President Smith out of Nauvoo.
Saturday, July 1, 1843, the court convened to examine the writ of habeas corpus. Messrs. Cyrus Walker, Shepherd G. Patrick, Edward Southwick and a Mr. Backman defended Joseph Smith while Attorney Mason was counselor for Reynolds. Witnesses were examined and the case tried on its merits, Hyrum Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young, George W. Pitkin, Lyman Wight and Sidney Rigdon giving testimony, at the conclusion of which the prisoner was discharged.
July 1, 1843, a mass meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo was held in the assembly hall and it was “unanimously resolved that Messrs. Sager and Dixon, of the town of Dixon, and the citizens of Dixon, Pawpaw Grove, and Lee County, receive the warmest thanks for the firm patriotism, bold and decided stand taken against lawless outrage and the spirit of mobocracy, as manifested in the arrest or capture of General Joseph Smith, while on a visit to his friends in that district of country.”
The proceedings of the municipal court of Nauvoo in this case were promptly forwarded to Governor Ford, with affidavits from the attorneys and others bearing upon the case and the kindly treatment Reynolds and Wilson had received in Nauvoo. Judge James Adams came from Carthage with the information that Reynolds and Wilson were exciting the people there to mobocracy, and petitioning the governor for a posse forcibly to take Joseph Smith, on the grounds that he had been unlawfully taken out of their hands. A remonstrance against the Carthage proceedings was prepared and forwarded to Carthage by Messrs. Southwick and Patrick, and a petition was sent to Governor Ford praying him not to issue any more writs.
Governor Ford refused to comply with the request of Sheriff Reynolds, and subsequently, when Governor Reynolds of Missouri requested him to call out the militia—a method they had of doing in Missouri—to retake Joseph Smith, Governor Ford replied that Joseph Smith had been tried before the municipal court of Nauvoo on a writ of habeas corpus, and discharged from arrest. He, as governor, had fully executed the duty which the laws imposed, and had not “been resisted either in the writ issued for the arrest of Smith or in the person of the officer appointed to apprehend him,” and the constitution would not permit him to take such action, as the Missouri official proposed.
Orrin Porter Rockwell, who was accused as the principal in the shooting of ex-Governor Boggs, went into retirement with the Prophet when Governor Ford issued papers for his extradition. He traveled east as far as New Jersey where he remained for some time. Following the discharge of President Joseph Smith by Judge Pope, Rockwell concluded to return to Nauvoo, evidently by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. In St. Louis he was recognized by Elias Parker who had him placed under arrest, March 4, 1843. They carried him to Independence in chains, where he was placed under bonds in the sum of five thousand dollars, which they knew he could not raise, as no person outside of Missouri would be accepted by the court as bondsman. In the custody of the notorious Joseph H. Reynolds, sheriff of Jackson County, he was cast into prison bound hand and foot. Here he remained a prisoner for eight months. March 15, 1843, the Prophet wrote: “I prophesied in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that Orrin Porter Rockwell would get away honorably from the Missourians.”
On Christmas evening, 1843—the last Christmas day Joseph and Hyrum Smith celebrated on earth—a large party assembled at the Prophet’s home, and spent the time in music, dancing and a social visit. During the festivities, a man with long shaggy hair, apparently drunk, came in and acted like a Missourian. A scuffle ensued and the Prophet had an opportunity to see the stranger’s face. To his great surprise and joy he discovered his “long-tried, warm, but cruelly persecuted friend, Orrin Porter Rockwell.” The party came to order while Rockwell related in detail his experiences and sufferings while in Missouri.
The story is too long to tell in full at this point. It is sufficient to relate the following incidents. When he arrived in Independence a large crowd had gathered and suggested hanging him at once, but he was placed in jail. In two or three days he underwent a mock trial, where false witnesses testified against him. The magistrate said he found no evidence against him, but placed him in prison for safe keeping, where Sheriff Reynolds chained him hand and foot. One time he was able to escape, but was recaptured and only by the providence of the Lord was saved from being hanged. About the time that President Smith was demanded by the governor of Missouri, Reynolds, the sheriff, came to Rockwell and said that he had discovered from letters that Joseph Smith had unlimited confidence in Rockwell, and if Rockwell would only “tote him out by riding or any other way,” so that the Missourians might apprehend him, Rockwell might please himself whether he stayed in Illinois or returned to Missouri, they would protect him, and any pile that he would name the citizens of Jackson County, would club together and raise. “You only deliver Joe Smith into our hands, and name your pile.” Rockwell replied: “I will see you all damned first, and then I won’t.”
The time of further trial was continually delayed, but on the 13th of December, he was taken before the court and tried—not on the charge of shooting Boggs, but for breaking jail! He was found guilty and sentenced to “five minutes’ imprisonment in the county jail,” but was kept there five hours, while his enemies tried to think of some other charge to make against him. He was finally released and with great difficulty made his way to Nauvoo, where he arrived that Christmas night.
Chapter 34Joseph Smith’s Candidacy for President—Nauvoo Conspiracy1843–1844Threats of the MobFollowing the unsuccessful attempt to carry President Joseph Smith into Missouri, the hatred of his enemies became intense. Lying accusations were published in anti-“Mormon” papers and circulated against the Saints. Threats were made, both in Missouri and Illinois, of mob attacks and the legion was kept in readiness to withstand any mob assault. The governor was apprised of these conditions from time to time, and petitioned for protection, but refused to give credence to the rumors, or take any measures to repel any proposed invasion. This attitude increased the boldness of the enemies of the Saints, who declared, in reference to the governor, should he attempt to protect the “Mormons” in their rights: “If he opens his head we will punch a hole through him! He dare not speak! We will serve him the same sauce we will the ‘Mormons!’”Growth of NauvooThrough the gathering of converts from Great Britain as well as from various parts of the United States, Nauvoo had become the foremost city of Illinois. It had risen from a swamp and wilderness in 1839, to a commonwealth of some twenty thousand souls. The people were frugal, industrious and law-abiding. Many factories had been established, and measures were on foot, at the suggestion of President Smith, to dam the Mississippi for water power purposes. He also suggested that Congress be petitioned to build a canal around the Des Moines rapids to admit of the passage of boats for commercial purposes.1He instructed the Saints to be producers and to manufacture from the raw materials, rather than to be consumers only, and under his direction and inspiration the city prospered.Jealousy of Other TownsAll this augmented the jealousy and hatred of the neighboring towns, where thrift and unity were lacking. Another thing that increased the opposition, especially of the politicians, was the fact that the Saints usually voted as a unit. It was this tendency which caused Cyrus Walker to seek the favor of Joseph Smith in the summer of 1843. However, the voting of the “Mormons” in this manner was not due to instruction from the leading councils of the Church, but from necessity and for self-preservation. Both the Whig and the Democratic office-seekers sought the support of the Saints, and when it was not forthcoming, hatred filled their breasts, and vengeance was threatened. The constant arrival of immigrants, who were instructed to gather at Nauvoo, was also looked upon as an attempt to lay plans to control the state. So strong were the Latter-day Saints that they held the balance of power in the elections and naturally threw their support to those most friendly to them, which aroused the animosities of their opponents to a murderous degree.In the August (1843) election Robert D. Foster and George W. Thatcher were elected to county offices. They went to Carthage to give bonds and take their oaths and were threatened by Harmon T. Wilson and some fifteen or twenty others, who were armed with knives and pistols. The bonds, however, were accepted, and the mob gave notice of a meeting of anti-“Mormons” to consider the question of the “Mormons” holding office. At their meeting they made all manner of accusations and threats, stating that they “pledge themselves in the most determined manner” to aid Missouri should another demand be made for Joseph Smith, which gave encouragement to the enemies of the Saints within that state.Near the close of the year 1843, they openly resorted to mob violence. Daniel Avery and his son Philander, were kidnapped and delivered to the Missourians. On false accusations they were imprisoned and brutally treated for some time. The son finally made his escape and the father was later released on habeas corpus proceedings.Joseph Smith and the Presidency of the United StatesFrom the time of the organization of the Church the Saints had suffered most cruelly at the hands of enemies. Governors and lesser state dignitaries, had aided in the persecutions. No redress, even from the government of the United States, could be obtained. Mobs still menaced them, and their chances for protection by lawful means were not the best, for the governor of Illinois was intimidated by mob threats. It was agreed, therefore, to inquire of the various candidates for the presidency of the United States what their feelings would be, if elected, towards the Latter-day Saints, and their course of action in relation to the cruel oppression the Saints had suffered. Accordingly letters were sent to the leading candidates. Only two, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, deigned to make reply. Their answers were so unsatisfactory that the “Mormon” people decided they could vote for neither of them. Clay replied that if he ever entered that high office he must go into it free and unfettered, with no guarantees but such as were to be drawn from his whole life, character and conduct, although he had sympathized with the Saints in their sufferings under injustice. Calhoun was more frank, stating that the case of the Saints in Missouri, candor compelled him to say, “did not come within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, which is one of limited and specific powers.”Under these conditions the citizens of Nauvoo felt that the only consistent step they could take was to place their own candidate in the field. Consequently, at a political convention held in Nauvoo, January 29, 1844, Joseph Smith was nominated as a candidate for the presidency of the United States, and on May 17, a state convention was held in Nauvoo where his nomination was sustained. There was no thought on the part of President Joseph Smith or the Saints that he would be elected, but it gave to them an opportunity to express their feelings, and to sustain a candidate who would advocate their rights against oppression. In theTimes and Seasons(Feb. 15) an editorial was published entitled: “Who Shall be our Next President?” in which the reasons for selecting their own candidate were clearly and emphatically stated by the editor (John Taylor) in behalf of the Latter-day Saints.James Arlington Bennett, of New York, was asked to become their candidate for the vice-presidency, but as he was born in Ireland, was not eligible. Sidney Rigdon, who had moved from Nauvoo to Pittsburgh—contrary to revelation and to the feelings of the Prophet —was selected for that place.Views on the Powers and Policy of the GovernmentIn February, 1844, Joseph Smith published to the world his “Views on the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States.” After speaking of the greatness and glory of the United States under the early presidents he says that “‘since the fathers have fallen asleep,’ wicked and designing men have unrobed the government of its glory.” He advocated the reduction of the number of congressmen by two-thirds; the pardoning of prisoners in state prisons; the making of laws to provide for useful employment of prisoners on roads, public works or elsewhere, where they may be taught more wisdom and more virtue, and only murderers should be confined or put to death. He would turn the prisons into seminaries of learning; and petition the inhabitants of the slave states to abolish slavery by 1850, or before, “and save the abolitionist from reproach and ruin, infamy and shame.” This should be done by Congress paying every man a reasonable price for his slaves out of the revenue from the sale of public lands, and deducted pay from members of Congress, that liberty may be granted to all men. He would abolish the practice of trying men by court martial for desertion, and if a man deserts send him his pay with instructions that his country will never trust him more and that he has forfeited his honor. Make honor the standard with all men; render good for evil, “and the whole nation, like a kingdom of kings and priests, will rise up in righteousness.” He advocated more economy; less taxes; greater equality, and less distinction among the people. Also the establishment of a national bank, with branches in each state and territory, the net revenue therefrom to be applied to government interests. The president should have full power to send an army to suppress mobs, and there should be a repeal of the requirement for governors to petition the president for troops in cases of invasion or rebellion. A governor himself may be a mobber and power should be given the president to protect citizens in such an event. Oregon, by right, and with the consent of the Indian, should belong to the United States, and he would invite Texas, Canada, Mexico, to join the sons of liberty, and let the Union spread.Such, in brief, is the platform of Joseph Smith, and when it was circulated throughout the United States, it created much commotion and favorable comment for its direct and fearless advocacy of principles which other candidates, for policy’s sake, dared not express.The Contemplated Expedition to the WestThe rising tide of persecution portended a repetition of the cruel Missouri scenes. President Joseph Smith knew full well, even in the face of continued urging of the Saints to build Nauvoo and make her towers glorious, that the time would come when they would have to seek a new home in the wilderness. The prophecy of August 6, 1842, had stamped this fact upon the minds of others, and the Prophet had referred to it from time to time. He records in his history under date of February 20, 1844, the following:“I instructed the Twelve Apostles to send out a delegation and investigate the locations of California and Oregon, and hunt out a good location, where we can remove to after the temple is completed, and where we can build a city in a day, and have a government of our own, get up into the mountains, where the devil cannot dig us out, and live in a healthful climate, where we can live as old as we have a mind to.”The next day another meeting was held in the mayor’s office, in Nauvoo, most of the twelve were present, and Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley, and David Fullmer, volunteered to go. Alphonzo Young, James Emmett, George D. Watt and Daniel Spencer were requested to go, and another meeting was called to meet on February 23, to further discuss matters pertaining to this expedition. On that date President Smith and the twelve met again. Patriarch Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon were also present. The Prophet instructed them saying he wanted an exploration of all the mountain country. Perhaps it would be best for them to go by way of Santa Fe. “Send twenty-five men,” he said, “let them preach the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that can raise $500, a good horse and mule, a double-barrel gun, one barrel rifle and the other smooth bore, a saddle and bridle, a pair of revolving pistols, bowie-knife, and a good sabre. Appoint a leader and let them beat up for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a priest. When he gets on the mountains he may want to talk with his God; when with the savage nations, have power to govern. If we don’t get volunteers, wait till after the election.” On this occasion, Samuel Bent, Joseph A. Kelting, Samuel Rolf, Daniel Avery and Samuel W. Richards were added to the expedition and others joined from time to time. Sunday, February 25, the Prophet predicted that within five years the Saints would be out of the power of their old enemies, whether they were apostate or of the world, and commanded the brethren to write it down “that when it comes to pass they need not say they had forgotten the saying.”Memorial to CongressMarch 26, 1844, a memorial was prepared by President Joseph Smith asking Congress to pass an ordinance for the protection of citizens of the United States emigrating to the territories and that indefinite country known as California and Oregon. He asked for authorization to raise a company of one hundred thousand volunteers, at such times and places as he might find necessary for this purpose. At this time Oregon was a disputed territory, unsettled, and held by the United States and Great Britain jointly by treaty. Texas was asking for admission into the United States, but had been denied. Orson Pratt and John E. Page and later Orson Hyde, were sent to Washington to urge the consideration of the scheme. Most of the Illinois delegation favored it. For political reasons no official action was ever taken, but the general sentiment of the politicians, who were afraid to act openly, was in favor of the proposition.Traitors From WithinIt was not so much from Missouri and among the mobocrats of Illinois, that the Prophet had cause to fear, but from traitors within the councils of the Church. In the highest quorums, men were found who secretly plotted against his life. He remarked in a discourse in October of 1843: “This generation is as corrupt as the generation of the Jews that crucified Christ; and if he were here today, and should preach the same doctrine he did to them they would put him to death. I defy all the world to destroy the work of God; and I prophesy they never will have power to kill metill my work is accomplished, and I am ready to die.” In January, 1844, it became necessary to increase the police force for the protection of the city. Joseph Smith, as mayor, addressed these newly appointed officers of the peace, and instructed them in their duties. In the course of his remarks he said:“I am exposed to far greater danger from traitors among ourselves than from enemies without, although my life has been sought for many years by the civil and military authorities, priests, and people of Missouri; and if I can escape from the ungrateful treachery of assassins, I can live as Caesar might have lived, were it not for a right-hand Brutus. I have had pretended friends betray me. All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish nothing, unless some who are among us and enjoy our society, have been with us in our councils, participated in our confidence, taken us by the hand, called us brother, saluted us with a kiss, join with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their united vengeance upon our heads. All the hue-and-cry of the chief priests and elders against the Savior, could not bring down the wrath of the Jewish nation upon his head, and thereby cause the crucifixion of the Son of God, until Judas said unto them, ‘Whomsoever I shall kiss, he is the man; hold him fast.’ Judas was one of the Twelve Apostles, even their treasurer, and dipt with their Master in the dish, and through his treachery, the crucifixion was brought about; andwe have a Judas in our midst.”“The Wicked Flee”These remarks gave offense to William and Wilson Law, William Marks, Leonard Soby, Dr. Foster and others. William Law was the Prophet’s second counselor, and his brother had been honored with the position of major general of the Nauvoo Legion, and was also prominent in the Church. William Marks was president of the Nauvoo Stake of Zion. Commenting on their fears, President Joseph Smith stated: “What can be the matter with these men? Is it that the wicked flee when no man pursueth . . . or that Presidents Law and Marks are absolutely traitors to the Church, that my remarks should produce such excitement in their minds? Can it be possible that the traitor whom Porter Rockwell reports to me as being in correspondence with my Missouri enemies is one of my quorum?2The people in the town are astonished, almost every man saying to his neighbor, “Is it possible that Brother Law or Marks is a traitor, and would deliver Brother Joseph into the hands of his enemies in Missouri? If not what can be the meaning of all this? The righteous are bold as a lion.”Councils of ApostatesIt soon developed that some of these men were secretly plotting the death of the Prophet and the destruction of the Church, claiming that he had fallen from his high and holy calling. Among them were those who had been tinctured by the wickedness of John C. Bennett, from which they did not recover. Others had been guilty of immoral conduct within more recent months and had been exposed. Their vengeance was directed against President Joseph Smith towards whom they now entertained a murderous spirit.Experience of Scott and HarrisIn the spring of 1844, a number of secret meetings were held by these conspirators, to which all whom they could trust among the disaffected spirits, were invited. Two young men, Denison L. Harris and Robert Scott, the latter living with the family of William Law, were invited to attend. Young Harris was also asked to invite his father, Emer Harris. The boys pondered over the invitation and then consulted with Emer Harris, who concluded to lay the matter before President Joseph Smith. After hearing the story the Prophet advised the father to stay away, but said he would like to have the boys attend, but they must first receive some advice from him. As they were instructed, they attended the first two meetings and each time made their report to the Prophet. These gatherings were given over to abuse and falsehood affecting President Smith, and the discussion of future plans. When the young men reported the second time, Joseph was in doubt whether they should go again and asked them to visit him for further instructions just before the third meeting, which, like the others, was to be held on the Sabbath day. When the time came he said to them: “This will be the last time that they will admit you into their councils. They will come to some determination, but be sure that you make no covenant, nor enter into any obligations whatever with them.” Arriving at the place of meeting the young men were astonished to see it guarded by men with muskets, and after due scrutiny they were admitted. In the meeting the Prophet and his brother Hyrum and others were accused of the most wicked acts. Joseph was called a fallen prophet, and his death was said to be necessary to save the Church. An oath had been prepared which each member present was required to take. The candidate would step forward to the table, where Francis M. Higbee, a justice of the peace, was stationed, and he would ask: “Are you ready?” Receiving a favorable reply he administered the following oath:“You solemnly swear, before God and all holy angels, and these your brethren by whom you are surrounded that you will give your life, your liberty, your influence, your all, for the destruction of Joseph Smith and his party, so help you God!”The person being sworn would then say “I do,” after which he would lay down the Bible on which the oath was taken, and sign his name to a written copy of the oath in a book, which would then be acknowledged by the justice of the peace.The boys sat in amazement wondering how these men, formerly faithful in the councils of the Church, could fall so low. In this manner the oath was administered to about two hundred, among whom were three women, heavily veiled.Their Lives ThreatenedPresently the turn for the two youths came to take the pledge, and they both manfully refused, stating that Joseph Smith had done them no harm and they were too young to understand these things. This aroused the anger of the conspirators, and when coaxing and argument failed, they threatened them with death. “Come boys,” they said, “do as we have done. You are young, and will not have anything to do in the affair, but we want you should keep it a secret, and act with us; that’s all.” “No,” they replied, “we cannot take an oath like that against any man who has never done us any injury.” They tried to pass out, but one of the band stopped them saying: “No, not by a—! You know all our plans and arrangements, and we don’t propose that you should leave in that style. You’ve got to take the oath, or you’ll never leave here alive.” The boys were surrounded by these evil conspirators, who with drawn swords and knives, were determined to take their lives. The leaders, no less determined, concluded that the deed of blood could not be committed there, as the house was too near the street. So the young men were taken to the cellar and preparations were made for their murder. At this point, however, as if by an act of Providence, someone spoke up and said it was evidently known by the parents of these boys that they were there, and if they did not return a search would be put on foot that might prove to be very dangerous to the plotters. The result was that after some consultation they were released, with a strict injunction, and many threats, not to reveal to any one what they had heard, or they would be killed, and under a guard they were permitted to depart. They immediately took their course towards the river in the opposite direction from their homes, conveying the impression to their enemies by word and act, that they would keep their secret. On the river bank they met the Prophet and an elder brother of Robert Scott, and to them they told their story (Contributor, vol. 5:25).On the 27th day of March, 1844, Abiathar B. Williams and M. G. Eaton, each made affidavit before Daniel H. Wells, justice of the peace, confirming the story of these young men, and implicating Chauncy L. Higbee, Robert D. Foster, Joseph H. Jackson and Wilson and William Law, as the leaders among the plotters. Shortly afterwards (April 18, 1844) the two Laws and Robert D. Foster, were excommunicated from the Church. Others prominent in this conspiracy were Austin Cowles, Francis M. Higbee, Charles Ivins and Charles A. Foster.Apostates Attempt to Organize a ChurchAn attempt was made by these apostates to organize a church of their own, patterned after the Church of Christ, with William Law at the head. Their following was small and the attempt was a failure. They soon joined hands openly with the most bitter enemies of the Saints and aided them in all their anti-“Mormon” persecutions. They advocated the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter; insulted the officers of the city and maliciously violated the ordinances, endeavoring to bring the city into ill-repute. Their evil deeds they laid at the door of others, and with lying tongues made brutal accusations against the innocent, and openly threatened the life of the Prophet.Plot to Kill Joseph SmithMay 25, 1844, William Law, Robert D. Foster and Joseph H. Jackson, had Joseph Smith indicted at Carthage on the charge of polygamy and perjury. Two days later Joseph left for Carthage, accompanied by a number of his friends, and voluntarily gave himself up for trial. He secured legal assistance and endeavored to have his case tried, but the opposition insisted on the case going over until the next term of court. On the way to Carthage, Charles A. Foster overtook the Prophet and his company, and had some conversation. When they reached their destination Foster called Joseph Smith aside and informed him of a conspiracy against his life. His brother Robert D., with tears in his eyes, also said there were persons there who had planned to kill the Prophet before he left that town. The spark of repentance kindled in their breasts, however, soon died out, and these two men again banded with the conspirators in Nauvoo, to bring to pass the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.The “Nauvoo Expositor”To better advance their malicious course, the conspirators of Nauvoo procured a press and proposed the publishing of a paper to be called theNauvoo Expositor. The object of the paper, as set forth in the prospectus was, to advocate “the unconditional repeal of the Nauvoo City Charter, to restrain and correct the abuses of theunit power, to ward off the iron rod which is held over the devoted heads of the citizens of Nauvoo . . . to advocate anunmitigated disobedience to political revelations, and to censure and decry gross moral imperfections wherever found, either in plebeian, patrician orself-constituted Monarch—to advocate the pure principles of morality.” In plain words to attack the Church and destroy the protection of the Saints guaranteed by the Charter of Nauvoo.The first and only number of theExpositorappeared June 7, 1844, filled with vile and malicious slanders against the Prophet and the leading citizens of Nauvoo. In attacking the charter, these wicked conspirators knew they were taking a course which would gain them the sympathy and aid of all the enemies of the Church, as nothing else could do. The charter, with its liberal provisions, had aroused the hatred of anti-“Mormons” because it prevented their sinister and diabolical designs. These same evil actors had lived under the charter from the beginning, and had been loud in its praise and defense, until Satan entered their hearts and their minds became darkened. They knew that the Latter-day Saints, without the charter would be a prey to their enemies, and at the mercy of their apostate persecutors, the small minority of the population, who could wreak vengeance upon their former brethren without restraint.The circulation of the first number of this paper filled the hearts of the people with righteous indignation. Their liberty was attacked, their lives threatened, and the prospect, from the circulation of falsehoods within their city, and bitter hatred without, was another expulsion from their homes. Were they to submit peaceably to such attacks?The Expositor Declared a NuisanceAt a meeting of the city council held June 10, after full consideration, theExpositorwas declared a public nuisance and was ordered to be abated. The city marshal John P. Greene was instructed to proceed to the printing office and carry out the order of the council. Taking with him a few men he proceeded to inform the proprietors of his mission and demanded entrance into the building which was denied. With little effort he opened the door, pied the type, carried out the press and burned the printed papers that were found. He then reported to the mayor who immediately forwarded an account of the proceeding to the governor of Illinois.In a rage the conspirators set fire to the building and hastened to Carthage, stating that their lives were in danger and they had been driven from their homes. The fire was discovered and extinguished before any damage had been done, but the falsehoods circulated aroused the people of Carthage and other towns. Indignation meetings were held and mobs began to gather under arms.Notes1.Such a canal was built, and completed in 1877, at a cost to the government of more than four million dollars.2.It was later discovered that William Law was in league with the Missourians.
Joseph Smith’s Candidacy for President—Nauvoo Conspiracy
1843–1844
Following the unsuccessful attempt to carry President Joseph Smith into Missouri, the hatred of his enemies became intense. Lying accusations were published in anti-“Mormon” papers and circulated against the Saints. Threats were made, both in Missouri and Illinois, of mob attacks and the legion was kept in readiness to withstand any mob assault. The governor was apprised of these conditions from time to time, and petitioned for protection, but refused to give credence to the rumors, or take any measures to repel any proposed invasion. This attitude increased the boldness of the enemies of the Saints, who declared, in reference to the governor, should he attempt to protect the “Mormons” in their rights: “If he opens his head we will punch a hole through him! He dare not speak! We will serve him the same sauce we will the ‘Mormons!’”
Through the gathering of converts from Great Britain as well as from various parts of the United States, Nauvoo had become the foremost city of Illinois. It had risen from a swamp and wilderness in 1839, to a commonwealth of some twenty thousand souls. The people were frugal, industrious and law-abiding. Many factories had been established, and measures were on foot, at the suggestion of President Smith, to dam the Mississippi for water power purposes. He also suggested that Congress be petitioned to build a canal around the Des Moines rapids to admit of the passage of boats for commercial purposes.1He instructed the Saints to be producers and to manufacture from the raw materials, rather than to be consumers only, and under his direction and inspiration the city prospered.
All this augmented the jealousy and hatred of the neighboring towns, where thrift and unity were lacking. Another thing that increased the opposition, especially of the politicians, was the fact that the Saints usually voted as a unit. It was this tendency which caused Cyrus Walker to seek the favor of Joseph Smith in the summer of 1843. However, the voting of the “Mormons” in this manner was not due to instruction from the leading councils of the Church, but from necessity and for self-preservation. Both the Whig and the Democratic office-seekers sought the support of the Saints, and when it was not forthcoming, hatred filled their breasts, and vengeance was threatened. The constant arrival of immigrants, who were instructed to gather at Nauvoo, was also looked upon as an attempt to lay plans to control the state. So strong were the Latter-day Saints that they held the balance of power in the elections and naturally threw their support to those most friendly to them, which aroused the animosities of their opponents to a murderous degree.
In the August (1843) election Robert D. Foster and George W. Thatcher were elected to county offices. They went to Carthage to give bonds and take their oaths and were threatened by Harmon T. Wilson and some fifteen or twenty others, who were armed with knives and pistols. The bonds, however, were accepted, and the mob gave notice of a meeting of anti-“Mormons” to consider the question of the “Mormons” holding office. At their meeting they made all manner of accusations and threats, stating that they “pledge themselves in the most determined manner” to aid Missouri should another demand be made for Joseph Smith, which gave encouragement to the enemies of the Saints within that state.
Near the close of the year 1843, they openly resorted to mob violence. Daniel Avery and his son Philander, were kidnapped and delivered to the Missourians. On false accusations they were imprisoned and brutally treated for some time. The son finally made his escape and the father was later released on habeas corpus proceedings.
From the time of the organization of the Church the Saints had suffered most cruelly at the hands of enemies. Governors and lesser state dignitaries, had aided in the persecutions. No redress, even from the government of the United States, could be obtained. Mobs still menaced them, and their chances for protection by lawful means were not the best, for the governor of Illinois was intimidated by mob threats. It was agreed, therefore, to inquire of the various candidates for the presidency of the United States what their feelings would be, if elected, towards the Latter-day Saints, and their course of action in relation to the cruel oppression the Saints had suffered. Accordingly letters were sent to the leading candidates. Only two, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, deigned to make reply. Their answers were so unsatisfactory that the “Mormon” people decided they could vote for neither of them. Clay replied that if he ever entered that high office he must go into it free and unfettered, with no guarantees but such as were to be drawn from his whole life, character and conduct, although he had sympathized with the Saints in their sufferings under injustice. Calhoun was more frank, stating that the case of the Saints in Missouri, candor compelled him to say, “did not come within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, which is one of limited and specific powers.”
Under these conditions the citizens of Nauvoo felt that the only consistent step they could take was to place their own candidate in the field. Consequently, at a political convention held in Nauvoo, January 29, 1844, Joseph Smith was nominated as a candidate for the presidency of the United States, and on May 17, a state convention was held in Nauvoo where his nomination was sustained. There was no thought on the part of President Joseph Smith or the Saints that he would be elected, but it gave to them an opportunity to express their feelings, and to sustain a candidate who would advocate their rights against oppression. In theTimes and Seasons(Feb. 15) an editorial was published entitled: “Who Shall be our Next President?” in which the reasons for selecting their own candidate were clearly and emphatically stated by the editor (John Taylor) in behalf of the Latter-day Saints.
James Arlington Bennett, of New York, was asked to become their candidate for the vice-presidency, but as he was born in Ireland, was not eligible. Sidney Rigdon, who had moved from Nauvoo to Pittsburgh—contrary to revelation and to the feelings of the Prophet —was selected for that place.
In February, 1844, Joseph Smith published to the world his “Views on the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States.” After speaking of the greatness and glory of the United States under the early presidents he says that “‘since the fathers have fallen asleep,’ wicked and designing men have unrobed the government of its glory.” He advocated the reduction of the number of congressmen by two-thirds; the pardoning of prisoners in state prisons; the making of laws to provide for useful employment of prisoners on roads, public works or elsewhere, where they may be taught more wisdom and more virtue, and only murderers should be confined or put to death. He would turn the prisons into seminaries of learning; and petition the inhabitants of the slave states to abolish slavery by 1850, or before, “and save the abolitionist from reproach and ruin, infamy and shame.” This should be done by Congress paying every man a reasonable price for his slaves out of the revenue from the sale of public lands, and deducted pay from members of Congress, that liberty may be granted to all men. He would abolish the practice of trying men by court martial for desertion, and if a man deserts send him his pay with instructions that his country will never trust him more and that he has forfeited his honor. Make honor the standard with all men; render good for evil, “and the whole nation, like a kingdom of kings and priests, will rise up in righteousness.” He advocated more economy; less taxes; greater equality, and less distinction among the people. Also the establishment of a national bank, with branches in each state and territory, the net revenue therefrom to be applied to government interests. The president should have full power to send an army to suppress mobs, and there should be a repeal of the requirement for governors to petition the president for troops in cases of invasion or rebellion. A governor himself may be a mobber and power should be given the president to protect citizens in such an event. Oregon, by right, and with the consent of the Indian, should belong to the United States, and he would invite Texas, Canada, Mexico, to join the sons of liberty, and let the Union spread.
Such, in brief, is the platform of Joseph Smith, and when it was circulated throughout the United States, it created much commotion and favorable comment for its direct and fearless advocacy of principles which other candidates, for policy’s sake, dared not express.
The rising tide of persecution portended a repetition of the cruel Missouri scenes. President Joseph Smith knew full well, even in the face of continued urging of the Saints to build Nauvoo and make her towers glorious, that the time would come when they would have to seek a new home in the wilderness. The prophecy of August 6, 1842, had stamped this fact upon the minds of others, and the Prophet had referred to it from time to time. He records in his history under date of February 20, 1844, the following:
“I instructed the Twelve Apostles to send out a delegation and investigate the locations of California and Oregon, and hunt out a good location, where we can remove to after the temple is completed, and where we can build a city in a day, and have a government of our own, get up into the mountains, where the devil cannot dig us out, and live in a healthful climate, where we can live as old as we have a mind to.”
“I instructed the Twelve Apostles to send out a delegation and investigate the locations of California and Oregon, and hunt out a good location, where we can remove to after the temple is completed, and where we can build a city in a day, and have a government of our own, get up into the mountains, where the devil cannot dig us out, and live in a healthful climate, where we can live as old as we have a mind to.”
The next day another meeting was held in the mayor’s office, in Nauvoo, most of the twelve were present, and Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley, and David Fullmer, volunteered to go. Alphonzo Young, James Emmett, George D. Watt and Daniel Spencer were requested to go, and another meeting was called to meet on February 23, to further discuss matters pertaining to this expedition. On that date President Smith and the twelve met again. Patriarch Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon were also present. The Prophet instructed them saying he wanted an exploration of all the mountain country. Perhaps it would be best for them to go by way of Santa Fe. “Send twenty-five men,” he said, “let them preach the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that can raise $500, a good horse and mule, a double-barrel gun, one barrel rifle and the other smooth bore, a saddle and bridle, a pair of revolving pistols, bowie-knife, and a good sabre. Appoint a leader and let them beat up for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a priest. When he gets on the mountains he may want to talk with his God; when with the savage nations, have power to govern. If we don’t get volunteers, wait till after the election.” On this occasion, Samuel Bent, Joseph A. Kelting, Samuel Rolf, Daniel Avery and Samuel W. Richards were added to the expedition and others joined from time to time. Sunday, February 25, the Prophet predicted that within five years the Saints would be out of the power of their old enemies, whether they were apostate or of the world, and commanded the brethren to write it down “that when it comes to pass they need not say they had forgotten the saying.”
March 26, 1844, a memorial was prepared by President Joseph Smith asking Congress to pass an ordinance for the protection of citizens of the United States emigrating to the territories and that indefinite country known as California and Oregon. He asked for authorization to raise a company of one hundred thousand volunteers, at such times and places as he might find necessary for this purpose. At this time Oregon was a disputed territory, unsettled, and held by the United States and Great Britain jointly by treaty. Texas was asking for admission into the United States, but had been denied. Orson Pratt and John E. Page and later Orson Hyde, were sent to Washington to urge the consideration of the scheme. Most of the Illinois delegation favored it. For political reasons no official action was ever taken, but the general sentiment of the politicians, who were afraid to act openly, was in favor of the proposition.
It was not so much from Missouri and among the mobocrats of Illinois, that the Prophet had cause to fear, but from traitors within the councils of the Church. In the highest quorums, men were found who secretly plotted against his life. He remarked in a discourse in October of 1843: “This generation is as corrupt as the generation of the Jews that crucified Christ; and if he were here today, and should preach the same doctrine he did to them they would put him to death. I defy all the world to destroy the work of God; and I prophesy they never will have power to kill metill my work is accomplished, and I am ready to die.” In January, 1844, it became necessary to increase the police force for the protection of the city. Joseph Smith, as mayor, addressed these newly appointed officers of the peace, and instructed them in their duties. In the course of his remarks he said:
“I am exposed to far greater danger from traitors among ourselves than from enemies without, although my life has been sought for many years by the civil and military authorities, priests, and people of Missouri; and if I can escape from the ungrateful treachery of assassins, I can live as Caesar might have lived, were it not for a right-hand Brutus. I have had pretended friends betray me. All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish nothing, unless some who are among us and enjoy our society, have been with us in our councils, participated in our confidence, taken us by the hand, called us brother, saluted us with a kiss, join with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their united vengeance upon our heads. All the hue-and-cry of the chief priests and elders against the Savior, could not bring down the wrath of the Jewish nation upon his head, and thereby cause the crucifixion of the Son of God, until Judas said unto them, ‘Whomsoever I shall kiss, he is the man; hold him fast.’ Judas was one of the Twelve Apostles, even their treasurer, and dipt with their Master in the dish, and through his treachery, the crucifixion was brought about; andwe have a Judas in our midst.”
“I am exposed to far greater danger from traitors among ourselves than from enemies without, although my life has been sought for many years by the civil and military authorities, priests, and people of Missouri; and if I can escape from the ungrateful treachery of assassins, I can live as Caesar might have lived, were it not for a right-hand Brutus. I have had pretended friends betray me. All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish nothing, unless some who are among us and enjoy our society, have been with us in our councils, participated in our confidence, taken us by the hand, called us brother, saluted us with a kiss, join with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their united vengeance upon our heads. All the hue-and-cry of the chief priests and elders against the Savior, could not bring down the wrath of the Jewish nation upon his head, and thereby cause the crucifixion of the Son of God, until Judas said unto them, ‘Whomsoever I shall kiss, he is the man; hold him fast.’ Judas was one of the Twelve Apostles, even their treasurer, and dipt with their Master in the dish, and through his treachery, the crucifixion was brought about; andwe have a Judas in our midst.”
These remarks gave offense to William and Wilson Law, William Marks, Leonard Soby, Dr. Foster and others. William Law was the Prophet’s second counselor, and his brother had been honored with the position of major general of the Nauvoo Legion, and was also prominent in the Church. William Marks was president of the Nauvoo Stake of Zion. Commenting on their fears, President Joseph Smith stated: “What can be the matter with these men? Is it that the wicked flee when no man pursueth . . . or that Presidents Law and Marks are absolutely traitors to the Church, that my remarks should produce such excitement in their minds? Can it be possible that the traitor whom Porter Rockwell reports to me as being in correspondence with my Missouri enemies is one of my quorum?2The people in the town are astonished, almost every man saying to his neighbor, “Is it possible that Brother Law or Marks is a traitor, and would deliver Brother Joseph into the hands of his enemies in Missouri? If not what can be the meaning of all this? The righteous are bold as a lion.”
It soon developed that some of these men were secretly plotting the death of the Prophet and the destruction of the Church, claiming that he had fallen from his high and holy calling. Among them were those who had been tinctured by the wickedness of John C. Bennett, from which they did not recover. Others had been guilty of immoral conduct within more recent months and had been exposed. Their vengeance was directed against President Joseph Smith towards whom they now entertained a murderous spirit.
In the spring of 1844, a number of secret meetings were held by these conspirators, to which all whom they could trust among the disaffected spirits, were invited. Two young men, Denison L. Harris and Robert Scott, the latter living with the family of William Law, were invited to attend. Young Harris was also asked to invite his father, Emer Harris. The boys pondered over the invitation and then consulted with Emer Harris, who concluded to lay the matter before President Joseph Smith. After hearing the story the Prophet advised the father to stay away, but said he would like to have the boys attend, but they must first receive some advice from him. As they were instructed, they attended the first two meetings and each time made their report to the Prophet. These gatherings were given over to abuse and falsehood affecting President Smith, and the discussion of future plans. When the young men reported the second time, Joseph was in doubt whether they should go again and asked them to visit him for further instructions just before the third meeting, which, like the others, was to be held on the Sabbath day. When the time came he said to them: “This will be the last time that they will admit you into their councils. They will come to some determination, but be sure that you make no covenant, nor enter into any obligations whatever with them.” Arriving at the place of meeting the young men were astonished to see it guarded by men with muskets, and after due scrutiny they were admitted. In the meeting the Prophet and his brother Hyrum and others were accused of the most wicked acts. Joseph was called a fallen prophet, and his death was said to be necessary to save the Church. An oath had been prepared which each member present was required to take. The candidate would step forward to the table, where Francis M. Higbee, a justice of the peace, was stationed, and he would ask: “Are you ready?” Receiving a favorable reply he administered the following oath:
“You solemnly swear, before God and all holy angels, and these your brethren by whom you are surrounded that you will give your life, your liberty, your influence, your all, for the destruction of Joseph Smith and his party, so help you God!”
The person being sworn would then say “I do,” after which he would lay down the Bible on which the oath was taken, and sign his name to a written copy of the oath in a book, which would then be acknowledged by the justice of the peace.
The boys sat in amazement wondering how these men, formerly faithful in the councils of the Church, could fall so low. In this manner the oath was administered to about two hundred, among whom were three women, heavily veiled.
Presently the turn for the two youths came to take the pledge, and they both manfully refused, stating that Joseph Smith had done them no harm and they were too young to understand these things. This aroused the anger of the conspirators, and when coaxing and argument failed, they threatened them with death. “Come boys,” they said, “do as we have done. You are young, and will not have anything to do in the affair, but we want you should keep it a secret, and act with us; that’s all.” “No,” they replied, “we cannot take an oath like that against any man who has never done us any injury.” They tried to pass out, but one of the band stopped them saying: “No, not by a—! You know all our plans and arrangements, and we don’t propose that you should leave in that style. You’ve got to take the oath, or you’ll never leave here alive.” The boys were surrounded by these evil conspirators, who with drawn swords and knives, were determined to take their lives. The leaders, no less determined, concluded that the deed of blood could not be committed there, as the house was too near the street. So the young men were taken to the cellar and preparations were made for their murder. At this point, however, as if by an act of Providence, someone spoke up and said it was evidently known by the parents of these boys that they were there, and if they did not return a search would be put on foot that might prove to be very dangerous to the plotters. The result was that after some consultation they were released, with a strict injunction, and many threats, not to reveal to any one what they had heard, or they would be killed, and under a guard they were permitted to depart. They immediately took their course towards the river in the opposite direction from their homes, conveying the impression to their enemies by word and act, that they would keep their secret. On the river bank they met the Prophet and an elder brother of Robert Scott, and to them they told their story (Contributor, vol. 5:25).
On the 27th day of March, 1844, Abiathar B. Williams and M. G. Eaton, each made affidavit before Daniel H. Wells, justice of the peace, confirming the story of these young men, and implicating Chauncy L. Higbee, Robert D. Foster, Joseph H. Jackson and Wilson and William Law, as the leaders among the plotters. Shortly afterwards (April 18, 1844) the two Laws and Robert D. Foster, were excommunicated from the Church. Others prominent in this conspiracy were Austin Cowles, Francis M. Higbee, Charles Ivins and Charles A. Foster.
An attempt was made by these apostates to organize a church of their own, patterned after the Church of Christ, with William Law at the head. Their following was small and the attempt was a failure. They soon joined hands openly with the most bitter enemies of the Saints and aided them in all their anti-“Mormon” persecutions. They advocated the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter; insulted the officers of the city and maliciously violated the ordinances, endeavoring to bring the city into ill-repute. Their evil deeds they laid at the door of others, and with lying tongues made brutal accusations against the innocent, and openly threatened the life of the Prophet.
May 25, 1844, William Law, Robert D. Foster and Joseph H. Jackson, had Joseph Smith indicted at Carthage on the charge of polygamy and perjury. Two days later Joseph left for Carthage, accompanied by a number of his friends, and voluntarily gave himself up for trial. He secured legal assistance and endeavored to have his case tried, but the opposition insisted on the case going over until the next term of court. On the way to Carthage, Charles A. Foster overtook the Prophet and his company, and had some conversation. When they reached their destination Foster called Joseph Smith aside and informed him of a conspiracy against his life. His brother Robert D., with tears in his eyes, also said there were persons there who had planned to kill the Prophet before he left that town. The spark of repentance kindled in their breasts, however, soon died out, and these two men again banded with the conspirators in Nauvoo, to bring to pass the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.
To better advance their malicious course, the conspirators of Nauvoo procured a press and proposed the publishing of a paper to be called theNauvoo Expositor. The object of the paper, as set forth in the prospectus was, to advocate “the unconditional repeal of the Nauvoo City Charter, to restrain and correct the abuses of theunit power, to ward off the iron rod which is held over the devoted heads of the citizens of Nauvoo . . . to advocate anunmitigated disobedience to political revelations, and to censure and decry gross moral imperfections wherever found, either in plebeian, patrician orself-constituted Monarch—to advocate the pure principles of morality.” In plain words to attack the Church and destroy the protection of the Saints guaranteed by the Charter of Nauvoo.
The first and only number of theExpositorappeared June 7, 1844, filled with vile and malicious slanders against the Prophet and the leading citizens of Nauvoo. In attacking the charter, these wicked conspirators knew they were taking a course which would gain them the sympathy and aid of all the enemies of the Church, as nothing else could do. The charter, with its liberal provisions, had aroused the hatred of anti-“Mormons” because it prevented their sinister and diabolical designs. These same evil actors had lived under the charter from the beginning, and had been loud in its praise and defense, until Satan entered their hearts and their minds became darkened. They knew that the Latter-day Saints, without the charter would be a prey to their enemies, and at the mercy of their apostate persecutors, the small minority of the population, who could wreak vengeance upon their former brethren without restraint.
The circulation of the first number of this paper filled the hearts of the people with righteous indignation. Their liberty was attacked, their lives threatened, and the prospect, from the circulation of falsehoods within their city, and bitter hatred without, was another expulsion from their homes. Were they to submit peaceably to such attacks?
At a meeting of the city council held June 10, after full consideration, theExpositorwas declared a public nuisance and was ordered to be abated. The city marshal John P. Greene was instructed to proceed to the printing office and carry out the order of the council. Taking with him a few men he proceeded to inform the proprietors of his mission and demanded entrance into the building which was denied. With little effort he opened the door, pied the type, carried out the press and burned the printed papers that were found. He then reported to the mayor who immediately forwarded an account of the proceeding to the governor of Illinois.
In a rage the conspirators set fire to the building and hastened to Carthage, stating that their lives were in danger and they had been driven from their homes. The fire was discovered and extinguished before any damage had been done, but the falsehoods circulated aroused the people of Carthage and other towns. Indignation meetings were held and mobs began to gather under arms.
1.Such a canal was built, and completed in 1877, at a cost to the government of more than four million dollars.
2.It was later discovered that William Law was in league with the Missourians.
Chapter 35The Martyrdom1844Charge of Francis M. HigbeeJune 11, 1844, Francis M. Higbee made complaint before Thomas Morrison, a justice of the peace at Carthage, charging Joseph Smith and the members of the Nauvoo city council with riot committed in destroying the press of theExpositor. The warrant was served by Constable David Bettisworth the following day. It required that the accused should go before the justice issuing the warrant, “or some other justice of the peace, for trial.” The Prophet expressed his willingness to go before some other justice, as he had lawful right to do, but was not willing to be taken to Carthage to be tried before his mobocratic enemies. Bettisworth, in anger, declared that he would take him to Carthage. His attention was called to the nature of the warrant and that his actions were contrary to law, and with righteous indignation Joseph Smith obtained a writ of habeas corpus and was legally tried before the municipal court of Nauvoo and discharged. Each of the members of the city council did the same, and were likewise discharged.Anger of the MobWhen Bettisworth returned to Carthage without his prisoners, the disappointment of the mobocrats was intense, and they threatened to go against Nauvoo in force. Indignation meetings were held in Warsaw and Carthage, and inflammatory speeches were made against the Saints. The assembled mobbers in each place adopted resolutions in which they said, “We hold ourselves at all times in readiness to co-operate with our fellow-citizens in this state, Missouri and Iowa, to exterminate, utterly exterminate, the wicked and abominable ‘Mormon’ leaders, the authors of our troubles.” All members of the Church, or sympathizers with Joseph Smith, were warned to leave these townships on pain of instant vengeance. A deputation was sent by them to the governor, stating that Joseph Smith and others had refused to obey the mandate of the writ, and with other falsehoods they attempted to prejudice him in their favor. The minutes of these unlawful and wicked proceedings were published in the WarsawSignaland other papers of the state.The Saints ThreatenedThe Saints also sent messengers to the governor with full and correct accounts of the proceedings at Nauvoo, and asking for protection. In the meantime, without waiting for the governor’s reply, the mob forces commenced their brutal attacks upon the Saints residing outside of Nauvoo, threatening them with destruction unless they immediately accepted one of the following propositions: Deny Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God and join the mob in securing his arrest; gather up their effects and move to Nauvoo; or give up their arms and remain quiet until the affair was over. Runners were dispatched to Missouri for aid from the mobbers there, and the whole country was inflamed by the spread of diabolical falsehoods.Advice of Judge ThomasThe Prophet did everything in his power to allay excitement and kept the governor posted with numerous affidavits and documents regarding the state of affairs. Judge Jesse B. Thomas, of the circuit court, advised the Prophet to go before some justice of the peace in the county and have an examination on the writ issued by Morrison, which action would take away all excuse of the mob, and then he could take steps to have them bound to keep the peace. For his pains, Judge Thomas was threatened by the mob with a coat of tar and feathers. The Prophet accepted his advice and was tried before Justice Daniel H. Wells, a non-“Mormon,” and after a full investigation was discharged. His enemies knew that this trial was lawful, as the previous one had been; but they were determined not to be thwarted in their wicked purpose. They thirsted for the blood of the Prophet and were determined to drag him to Carthage, with or without process of law, there to slay him. A mass meeting was held in Nauvoo, pacific resolutions were adopted, and messengers chosen to go forth in the surrounding country to declare the truth and allay excitement; but the prejudice was too great and little was accomplished.Nauvoo Under Martial LawBecause of threats of mob vengeance from both Missouri and Illinois information was sent to President Tyler of the United States, acquainting him with the danger and asking for protection. Nauvoo was placed under martial law, and the legion mustered into service in self-defense. The Prophet stood before them in his uniform as lieutenant-general and addressed them at length, in defense of their liberties. In the course of his remarks he said:“It is thought by some that our enemies would be satisfied by my destruction, but I tell you as soon as they have shed my blood, they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells a single spark of the spirit of the fulness of the Gospel. The opposition of these men is moved by the spirit of the adversary of all righteousness. It is not only to destroy me, but every man and woman who dares believe the doctrines that God hath inspired me to teach to this generation.”Appeal to the Governor for ProtectionOn June 16, Joseph wrote Governor Ford, calling his attention to the mob meetings at Carthage and Warsaw, and the threats made to exterminate the Saints. He requested the governor to come to Nauvoo to make further investigation, and to quell insurrection. Instead of going to Nauvoo, Governor Ford went to Carthage, and sent word to Nauvoo that he was there in the interest of peace, and asked that well-informed and discreet persons be sent to him. Elders John Taylor and Dr. John M. Bernhisel were immediately sent to Carthage; but to their surprise and disappointment they found the governor surrounded by some of the worst element in Illinois. The Laws, Fosters and Higbees, with Joseph H. Jackson, an adventurer and murderer, the publishers of theExpositor, had his ear. Elders Taylor and Bernhisel could not get an interview with the governor except in the presence of these vicious enemies who had pledged themselves to bring to pass the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. As they told their side of the story they were constantly interrupted by this rabble with, “that’s a — — lie,” and other unseemly epithets of like character. The governor treated them very rudely, showing that he was under the influence of the mob. He stated that Joseph Smith and the members of the city council should come to Carthage to be tried on the original writ as nothing short of that would satisfy the people. When the messengers protested because of the murderous spirit of the mob, the governor strenuously advised that they come without arms and pledged his faith that they should be protected. He also sent a written communication to Joseph Smith, in which he said the city council, in destroying theExpositorpress, had committed a gross outrage upon the laws and liberty of the people. He ignored the trial before the municipal court and also that before Daniel H. Wells, justice of the peace, demanding that all who were accused should submit themselves “to be arrested by the same constable, by virtue of the same warrant, and be tried before the same magistrate whose authority has heretofore been resisted. Nothing short of this can vindicate the dignity of violated law and allay the just excitement of the people.” Governor Ford must have blushed with shame when he penned these lines, for he knew he was violating his oath of office and declaring an untruth, for the sake of finding favor with the mob. If his demand was not complied with he threatened to come with sufficient force to execute his order. “You know the excitement of the public mind,” he said. “Do not tempt it too far. A very little matter may do a very great injury; and if you are disposed to continue the causes of excitement and render a force necessary to coerce submission, I would say that your city was built, as it were, upon a keg of powder which a very little spark may explode.”“And I will,”he continued,“also guarantee the safety of all such persons as may thus be brought to this place from Nauvoo either for trial or as witnesses for the accused.”The same day (June 22) the Prophet respectfully replied to this cravenly penned communication, defending his course and denying the false accusations contained in the governor’s letter. He called attention to the promises made in Missouri, but when witnesses came they were cast into prison, and since “a burnt child dreads the fire,” they were not to be blamed if they refused to place themselves in the hands of a blood-thirsty mob openly making threats to take their lives. The Prophet expressed a willingness to go before any other justice in the state, except at Carthage, or before the circuit court, but did not feel legally bound to go to Carthage to be butchered.The governor’s letter to Joseph Smith caused no small surprise among the Saints. It was evident that they could not look to him for help, for he had joined himself entirely with their enemies. He had ignored the law; refused to recognize the legality of the courts, and the right of a fair and impartial trial before an unprejudiced judge and jury.Hyrum Refuses to Leave his BrotherSo serious had the matter become that a letter was sent to President Brigham Young and the apostles who were in the mission field, instructing them to return to Nauvoo at once. The Prophet had previously (June 20) advised his brother Hyrum to take his family and go at once by steamboat to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied: “Joseph, I can’t leave you,” whereupon Joseph remarked to his brethren, “I wish I could get Hyrum out of the way, so that he may live to avenge my blood, and I will stay with you and see it out.”The Proposed Journey to the WestIn the afternoon of June 22, Joseph was in consultation with Hyrum Smith, John Taylor, Willard Richards and Dr. John M. Bernhisel, when it was decided that he should go to Washington and lay the whole difficulty before President Tyler. At dusk another consultation was held, when the Prophet called these same brethren and William W. Phelps, Abraham C. Hodge, John L. Butler, Alpheus Cutler and William Marks, to his office in his upper room. The governor’s letter was read and the Prophet said, “There is no mercy—no mercy here.” Hyrum said, “No; just as sure as we fall into their hands we are dead men.” Joseph replied, “Yes: what shall we do, Brother Hyrum?” Hyrum replied, “I don’t know.” All at once the Prophet’s countenance brightened up and he said, “The way is open. It is clear to my mind what to do. All they want is Hyrum and myself; then tell everybody to go about their business, and not to collect in groups, but to scatter about. There is no doubt they will come here and search for us. Let them search; they will not harm you in person or property, and not even a hair of your head. We will cross the river tonight, and go away to the West.” On this date Joseph wrote: “I told Stephen Markham that if Hyrum and I were ever taken again we should be massacred, or I was not a prophet of God. I want Hyrum to live to avenge my blood, but he is determined not to leave me.”Between nine and ten o’clock Hyrum Smith came out of the Mansion House and gave his hand to Reynolds Cahoon, saying, “A company of men are seeking to kill my brother Joseph, and the Lord has warned him to flee to the Rocky Mountains to save his life. Good-bye, Brother Cahoon, we shall see you again.” A few minutes later, as Joseph, Hyrum and Willard Richards were waiting on the river bank, William W. Phelps was instructed to take the families of the Prophet and Patriarch to Cincinnati. About midnight the three brethren were rowed across the river by Orrin P. Rockwell, who returned with instructions to obtain horses and pass them over the river the next night secretly, and be ready to start for the Great Basin in the Rocky Mountains.The Governor’s ThreatAt ten o’clock on the morning of the 23rd the governor’s posse arrived in Nauvoo to arrest the Prophet, but not finding him they returned, leaving one of their number to watch for him. This posse said that if Joseph and Hyrum Smith were not given up the governor was determined to send his troops into the city and guard it until they were found, if it took three years.Joseph Smith Accused of CowardiceAt one p.m. Emma Smith sent Orrin P. Rockwell to entreat the Prophet to come back. Reynolds Cahoon accompanied him with a letter to the same effect. Reynolds Cahoon, Lorenzo D. Wasson and Hiram Kimball accused Joseph of cowardice for wishing to leave the people, saying that their property would be destroyed, and they would be left without house or home. Like the fable, when the wolves came the shepherd ran from the flock.The Return to NauvooThe persecutions of enemies were easy to bear, but when he was thus accused by those who should have been his dearest friends, the Prophet was stung to the quick. It was not for himself he sought safety, but for his people. If this was all they cared, he would not seek to save himself. He replied: “If my life is of no value to my friends, it is of none to myself.” Turning to Rockwell he said, “What shall I do?” Rockwell answered: “You are the oldest and ought to know best; and as you make your bed, I will lie with you.” Joseph then turned to Hyrum and said: “Brother Hyrum, you are the oldest, what shall we do?” Hyrum said, “Let us go back and give ourselves up, and see the thing out.” The Prophet remained in deep reflection for some time, and then remarked: “If you go back I will go with you, but we shall be butchered.” Hyrum said, “No, no; let us go back and put our trust in God, and we shall not be harmed. The Lord is in it. If we live or have to die, we will be reconciled to our fate.”They then returned, and the first thing the Prophet did was to notify Governor Ford, by the hands of Theodore Turley and Jedediah M. Grant, that he would be ready to go to Carthage on the morrow. The governor promised to send a posse to protect him on the way, but through the influence of the Nauvoo conspirators, he changed his mind and ordered the Prophet and Patriarch to come to Carthage without escort.The Start for CarthageEarly on the morning of the 24th of June, Joseph and Hyrum with the accused members of the city council and a few tried friends, left Nauvoo for Carthage. On the way the Prophet hesitated, and looked back with admiration upon the city, the temple, and his farm. “This is the loveliest place, and the best people under the heavens,” he said; “little do they know the trials that await them!” They passed the home of Esq. Daniel H. Wells, who was unwell. The Prophet stopped and called on him, and as he parted, he said: “Squire Wells, I wish you to cherish my memory, and not think me the worst man in the world either.”The Governor’s Demand for ArmsAbout four miles from Carthage, they met Captain Dunn with a company of about sixty mounted militia, who presented the Prophet with an order from the governor for delivery of all the state arms in possession of the Nauvoo Legion, which Joseph promptly countersigned. It was not enough for the governor to demand the presence of the Prophet and Patriarch at Carthage to be murdered, but the people in Nauvoo were to be left defenseless against their enemies. This order for the delivery of the state arms was evidently intended to exasperate the Saints to commit some overt act, which might be construed as treason. Fearing that the inhabitants of Nauvoo would show resistance, Captain Dunn requested that the whole company return with him to Nauvoo, and pledged to protect them even with his life. A messenger was sent to the governor explaining the reason for the return to Nauvoo. Notwithstanding the many threats, which the governor constantly had heard against the lives of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, no action was taken to disarm the mob, who were mustered into the governor’s service. It appeared very much like a repetition of the Missouri scenes, in making the Saints defenseless while in a peaceful attitude, and arming their murderous enemies with state arms.A Lamb to the SlaughterWhen the company met Captain Dunn, the Prophet said:“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am as calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, ‘He was murdered in cold blood!’”When the work of Captain Dunn was accomplished, he thanked the people for their peaceful compliance and promised them protection. Late that afternoon the journey to Carthage was commenced again. It was midnight when the company arrived at that town, and while passing the public square many of the troops of the Carthage Greys made murderous threats. “Stand away, you McDonough boys,” they yelled, “and let us shoot the damned ‘Mormons’” “—— you, old Joe, we’ve got you now. Clear the way and let us have a view of Joe Smith, the prophet of God. He has seen the last of Nauvoo. We’ll use him up now, and kill all the damned Mormons.”Governor Ford’s Promise to the Mob-MilitiaOn hearing these threats Governor Ford put his head out of a window and said, “I know your great anxiety to see Mr. Smith, which is natural enough, but it is quite too late tonight for you to have the opportunity; but I assure you, gentlemen, you shall have that privilege tomorrow morning, as I will cause him to pass before the troops upon the square, and I now wish you, with this assurance, quietly and peaceably to return to your quarters.” With a faint “Hurrah for Tom Ford,” they complied with his wish.The Charge of TreasonEarly on the morning of the 25th the prisoners voluntarily surrendered themselves to Constable Bettisworth. Shortly afterwards Joseph and Hyrum were again arrested by Bettisworth on the charge of “treason” against the state of Illinois, on complaint of Augustine Spencer and Henry O. Norton.The Governor’s Inflammatory SpeechShortly after eight o’clock Governor Ford called all the troops together and formed them in a hollow square. He then addressed them in a most inflammatory manner against the Prophet Joseph and the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. They needed little encouragement, as he well knew, for they even then were inflamed to a murderous degree. At the close of his speech he fulfilled his promise to the troops as they were drawn up in file, by taking Joseph and Hyrum Smith before them, and introduced them as Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Carthage Greys refused to receive them by such title, and made threats against their lives, to which the governor paid little heed.His Lack of SincerityWhen Joseph Smith reported to Governor Ford that he had been before Daniel H. Wells, a justice of the peace, and had been tried, the governor replied that no other justice would do to try the case but the one who had issued the writ, therefore they must be tried before Justice Morrison. His lack of sincerity is shown in the fact that they were now taken before Justice Robert F. Smith, captain of the Carthage Greys and a most bitter mobocrat. The governor’s object was to drag them to Carthage to their enemies, and there was no thought of justice or right in making his demand. The accused brethren were bound over to appear at the next term of the circuit court. It was evident that the magistrate intended to place their bail at a figure which could not be met, in order to cast them into jail, but the bond was given, and Justice Smith left the court house without calling on the two prisoners, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, to answer to the charge of treason.False ImprisonmentAbout eight p.m. Constable Bettisworth appeared at their lodgings at the Hamilton House and insisted on Joseph and Hyrum going to jail. They demanded to see the copy of the mittimus, which was refused. Their counsel, Messrs. H. T. Reid and J. W. Woods, informed the constable that they were entitled to a hearing before a justice, whereupon the constable produced a mittimus which falsely stated that they had been brought before Justice Robert F. Smith and the trial had been postponed by reason of the absence of material witnesses. They vigorously protested against such false and outrageous proceedings. Justice Smith asked the governor for advice, since his mittimus was illegal, and therefore this was a false committal, when Governor Ford replied, “You have the Carthage Greys at your command!” The hint was sufficient, andCaptainRobert F. Smith thereupon commanded his “Greys” to execute the illegal action ofJusticeRobert F. Smith, and the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum Smith were thrust into jail in defiance of all law. Elder John Taylor protested to the governor, but was answered by that craven individual that he had no power to interfere, and the law must take its course.The Governor’s Broken PledgeOn the morning of June 26, Joseph requested an interview with Governor Ford, which had been denied him the day before. This time it was granted and the whole cause of the trouble was reviewed. Governor Ford contemplated going to Nauvoo the following day to investigate certain charges of counterfeiting, and the Prophet said he considered himself unsafe in Carthage and requested to be taken to Nauvoo. The governor gave his word of honor that he would take him when he went, but failed to keep his promise.The Illegal SummonsIn the afternoon, Frank Worrell appeared before the jail with the Carthage Greys and demanded that the prisoners be delivered up to the constable to be taken before Justice R. F. Smith for trial. The jailer, who had been instructed to keep them in custody “until discharged by due course of law,” protested such proceedings; but by threats Worrell compelled the jailer to surrender the prisoners. They were taken before Justice Smith, where their counsel, who had been given no notice of a trial, asked for a continuance that they might obtain witnesses. A continuance was granted until noon the following day. A new mittimus was made out and the prisoners committed again to prison, and without consultation on their part the time of trial was changed until the twenty-ninth.Threats of the MobIt was common conversation on the camp ground and at the hotel, in the presence of Governor Ford, that “The law is too short for these men, but they must not be suffered to go at large;” and “if the law will not reach them, powder and ball must.” Previously the governor had said, in order to quiet the impatience of the Carthage Greys, that they should have “full satisfaction.”The Night in JailThe evening of the 26th of June was spent by the prisoners and a number of friends, viz., John Taylor, Willard Richards, John S. Fullmer, Stephen Markham and Dan Jones, in conversing on the scriptures, Hyrum Smith occupying most of the time. They all retired to bed late, except Dr. Willard Richards who sat up writing until his last candle burned out. The Prophet and Patriarch occupied the bed, while the other brethren slept on a mattress on the floor. The report of a gun caused Joseph to arise from the bed, and going over to the mattress, he lay down on the floor between Dan Jones and John S. Fullmer. Stretching out his right arm he said to John S. Fullmer, “Lay your head on my arm for a pillow, Brother John.” He then conversed with Brother Fullmer on many topics and gave expression to the presentiment he had from the beginning that he was to die. “I would like to see my family again,” he said, and “I would to God that I could preach to the Saints in Nauvoo once more.” After air was quiet he turned to Dan Jones and whispered, “Are you afraid to die?” Dan said, “Has that time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death would have many terrors.” The Prophet replied, “You will yet see Wales and fulfil the mission appointed you before you die.”The Plotting by the MobEarly on the morning of the 27th, John P. Greene and William W. Phelps called at the jail, and the Prophet sent Dan Jones out to inquire what the firing of a gun in the night near the jail was for. Frank Worrell, of the Carthage Greys, and officer of the guard, replied, “We have had too much trouble to bring Old Joe here to let him ever escape alive, and unless you want to die with him you had better leave before sundown; and you are not a damned bit better than him for taking his part. And you’ll see that I can prophesy better than Old Joe, for neither he nor his brother, nor anyone who will remain with them will see the sun set today.” Dan Jones reported to the Prophet who directed him to go to the governor and tell him what had taken place. On his way he overheard an officer making a speech, in which he said, “Our troops will be discharged this morning in obedience to orders, and for a sham we will leave the town; but when the governor and the McDonough troops have left for Nauvoo this afternoon, we will return and kill these men, if we have to tear the jail down.” This was greeted by three cheers from the troops.The Governor WarnedJones immediately reported to the governor what he had heard. Governor Ford replied: “You are unnecessarily alarmed for the safety of your friends, sir, the people are not that cruel.” Irritated by this remark, Jones urged the necessity of placing better men to guard the jail, and he said: “The Messrs. Smith are American citizens, and have surrendered themselves to your Excellency upon your pledging your honor for their safety; they are also Master Masons, and as such I demand of you protection of their lives.”Governor Ford’s face turned pale, and Jones continued: “If you do not do this, I have but one more desire, and that is, if you leave their lives in the hands of those men to be sacrificed—”“What is that, sir?” Ford asked in a hurried tone.“It is,” said Jones, “that the Almighty will preserve my life to a proper time and place, that I may testify that you have been timely warned of their danger.”Jones then returned to the prison, but the guards drove him away. Going to the hotel he witnessed the discharge of the troops, as the officer had predicted, and shortly afterwards Governor Ford with the McDonough militia, the most friendly to the Saints, departed for Nauvoo, leaving the Carthage Greys, the most blood-thirsty of the troops, to guard the jail. The plot was working admirably without a hitch in the proceedings.“A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”John S. Fullmer and Stephen Markham, who had gone forth on errands, were also refused admittance again to the jail, while John Taylor and Willard Richards remained with their leaders. The day passed on, the prisoners and their two friends spent the time in bearing testimony to the truth of the Gospel, the divinity of the Book of Mormon, and in writing to their friends. Almon W. Babbitt called at the jail in the forenoon with a letter from Oliver Cowdery. Shortly after three o’clock there was excitement among the guards.At this hour Elder John Taylor sang the hymn “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” When he had finished, the Prophet asked him to sing it through once more, which he did. At four o’clock the guard was changed. At five o’clock the jailer, Mr. Stigall, suggested that the prisoners retire to the cell below, where they would be safer.The MartyrdomShortly after five o’clock there was a rustling at the outer door of the jail and a cry of surrender, and the discharge of three or four firearms. Dr. Richards glanced out of the window and saw about one hundred armed men around the door. Many of them had their faces blackened. It is said the guard elevated their guns and boisterously threatened the mob, but took good care to fire over their heads. The mob encircled the building and some of them rushed past the guard up the flight of stairs, burst open the door and began their work of death, while others fired through the windows. Joseph, Hyrum and Elder Taylor had their coats off. The Prophet sprang for his coat to get a six barreled pistol which Cyrus Wheelock had given him, and Hyrum reached for a single barrel pistol that had been left by John S. Fullmer. They all then braced themselves against the door, Elder Taylor armed with a heavy walking stick of Elder Markham’s and Dr. Richards with Elder Taylor’s cane. In an instant a ball whistled up the stairway, and Joseph Smith, John Taylor and Willard Richards sprang to the left of the door, and tried to knock aside the guns of the ruffians. Hyrum Smith retreated back and in front of the door, snapping his pistol, when a ball struck him on the left side of the nose. He fell on his back saying: “I am a dead man!” As he fell on the floor another ball from the outside entered his left side, and passed through his body with such force that it completely broke to pieces the watch he wore in his vest pocket. At the same instant another ball grazed his breast, entered his throat, and passed into his head, while another was fired into his leg. A shower of bullets was pouring into the room. Joseph reached around the door casing and discharged his six shooter into the passage, some barrels missing fire, while Elders Taylor and Richards continued to parry the muskets which were sticking through the door. When Hyrum fell, the Prophet said: “Oh, dear brother Hyrum!” Seeing there was no safety in the room, and without doubt thinking to spare his other companions, he turned calmly from the door, dropped his pistol on the floor, and sprang into the window. Two balls pierced him from the door, and one entered his right breast from without. He fell outward into the hands of his murderers, exclaiming: “O Lord, my God!” With a cry that he had jumped from the window, the assassins who were in the building rushed down the stairs. Elder Taylor was also severely wounded; four balls piercing his body, one ball struck his watch as he attempted to jump from the window, throwing him back into the room.When the ruffians left the building, Elder Richards who had miraculously escaped, except that a ball grazed his ear, started for the door. Elder Taylor called to him; he returned and carried the wounded man upstairs into the “dungeon” and stretched him on the floor. Covering him with a bed, he said: “This is a hard case to lay you on the floor, but if your wounds are not fatal, I want you to live to tell the story.” He then returned to the room below, expecting the next moment to be shot.Terror of the MobAfter accomplishing their deed of blood, terror seized the hearts of the assassins who fled from the scene of their diabolical crime in utmost confusion. Governor Ford, three miles out of Nauvoo, on his way to Carthage, met George D. Grant and Constable Bettisworth hastening to Nauvoo with the news of the martyrdom. With terror on his countenance, he carried them back to Carthage, that they might not spread the awful tale, until he should be at a distance beyond the vengeance which he feared. Arriving at Carthage, he advised the citizens to flee for their lives before the infuriated “Mormons” came to burn their town, and suiting action to his words he fled with his posse towards Quincy. Conscience-stricken and with the blood of prophets on his hands, he did not stop until he arrived at Augusta, eighteen miles away.Sorrow of the SaintsIn the meantime word of the horrible tragedy was sent by Dr. Willard Richards to Nauvoo. He said he had pledged his word to the frightened citizens of Carthage, that no violence or vengeance would be attempted by the Saints, and for the Saints to keep the peace and be prepared for an attack from Missouri. Indeed, there was no thought of summary vengeance by the Saints. With heads bowed down and hearts filled with grief—for the greatest sorrow in all their history had come upon them—they silently wept and prayed, leaving vengeance to Him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay!”The BurialThe next day, June 28, 1844, the bodies of the martyred prophets were taken to Nauvoo by Dr. Willard Richards, Samuel H. Smith and a guard of eight soldiers sent by General Deming. On the 29th, they were interred amidst the deep mourning of a stricken people.
The Martyrdom
1844
June 11, 1844, Francis M. Higbee made complaint before Thomas Morrison, a justice of the peace at Carthage, charging Joseph Smith and the members of the Nauvoo city council with riot committed in destroying the press of theExpositor. The warrant was served by Constable David Bettisworth the following day. It required that the accused should go before the justice issuing the warrant, “or some other justice of the peace, for trial.” The Prophet expressed his willingness to go before some other justice, as he had lawful right to do, but was not willing to be taken to Carthage to be tried before his mobocratic enemies. Bettisworth, in anger, declared that he would take him to Carthage. His attention was called to the nature of the warrant and that his actions were contrary to law, and with righteous indignation Joseph Smith obtained a writ of habeas corpus and was legally tried before the municipal court of Nauvoo and discharged. Each of the members of the city council did the same, and were likewise discharged.
When Bettisworth returned to Carthage without his prisoners, the disappointment of the mobocrats was intense, and they threatened to go against Nauvoo in force. Indignation meetings were held in Warsaw and Carthage, and inflammatory speeches were made against the Saints. The assembled mobbers in each place adopted resolutions in which they said, “We hold ourselves at all times in readiness to co-operate with our fellow-citizens in this state, Missouri and Iowa, to exterminate, utterly exterminate, the wicked and abominable ‘Mormon’ leaders, the authors of our troubles.” All members of the Church, or sympathizers with Joseph Smith, were warned to leave these townships on pain of instant vengeance. A deputation was sent by them to the governor, stating that Joseph Smith and others had refused to obey the mandate of the writ, and with other falsehoods they attempted to prejudice him in their favor. The minutes of these unlawful and wicked proceedings were published in the WarsawSignaland other papers of the state.
The Saints also sent messengers to the governor with full and correct accounts of the proceedings at Nauvoo, and asking for protection. In the meantime, without waiting for the governor’s reply, the mob forces commenced their brutal attacks upon the Saints residing outside of Nauvoo, threatening them with destruction unless they immediately accepted one of the following propositions: Deny Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God and join the mob in securing his arrest; gather up their effects and move to Nauvoo; or give up their arms and remain quiet until the affair was over. Runners were dispatched to Missouri for aid from the mobbers there, and the whole country was inflamed by the spread of diabolical falsehoods.
The Prophet did everything in his power to allay excitement and kept the governor posted with numerous affidavits and documents regarding the state of affairs. Judge Jesse B. Thomas, of the circuit court, advised the Prophet to go before some justice of the peace in the county and have an examination on the writ issued by Morrison, which action would take away all excuse of the mob, and then he could take steps to have them bound to keep the peace. For his pains, Judge Thomas was threatened by the mob with a coat of tar and feathers. The Prophet accepted his advice and was tried before Justice Daniel H. Wells, a non-“Mormon,” and after a full investigation was discharged. His enemies knew that this trial was lawful, as the previous one had been; but they were determined not to be thwarted in their wicked purpose. They thirsted for the blood of the Prophet and were determined to drag him to Carthage, with or without process of law, there to slay him. A mass meeting was held in Nauvoo, pacific resolutions were adopted, and messengers chosen to go forth in the surrounding country to declare the truth and allay excitement; but the prejudice was too great and little was accomplished.
Because of threats of mob vengeance from both Missouri and Illinois information was sent to President Tyler of the United States, acquainting him with the danger and asking for protection. Nauvoo was placed under martial law, and the legion mustered into service in self-defense. The Prophet stood before them in his uniform as lieutenant-general and addressed them at length, in defense of their liberties. In the course of his remarks he said:
“It is thought by some that our enemies would be satisfied by my destruction, but I tell you as soon as they have shed my blood, they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells a single spark of the spirit of the fulness of the Gospel. The opposition of these men is moved by the spirit of the adversary of all righteousness. It is not only to destroy me, but every man and woman who dares believe the doctrines that God hath inspired me to teach to this generation.”
On June 16, Joseph wrote Governor Ford, calling his attention to the mob meetings at Carthage and Warsaw, and the threats made to exterminate the Saints. He requested the governor to come to Nauvoo to make further investigation, and to quell insurrection. Instead of going to Nauvoo, Governor Ford went to Carthage, and sent word to Nauvoo that he was there in the interest of peace, and asked that well-informed and discreet persons be sent to him. Elders John Taylor and Dr. John M. Bernhisel were immediately sent to Carthage; but to their surprise and disappointment they found the governor surrounded by some of the worst element in Illinois. The Laws, Fosters and Higbees, with Joseph H. Jackson, an adventurer and murderer, the publishers of theExpositor, had his ear. Elders Taylor and Bernhisel could not get an interview with the governor except in the presence of these vicious enemies who had pledged themselves to bring to pass the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. As they told their side of the story they were constantly interrupted by this rabble with, “that’s a — — lie,” and other unseemly epithets of like character. The governor treated them very rudely, showing that he was under the influence of the mob. He stated that Joseph Smith and the members of the city council should come to Carthage to be tried on the original writ as nothing short of that would satisfy the people. When the messengers protested because of the murderous spirit of the mob, the governor strenuously advised that they come without arms and pledged his faith that they should be protected. He also sent a written communication to Joseph Smith, in which he said the city council, in destroying theExpositorpress, had committed a gross outrage upon the laws and liberty of the people. He ignored the trial before the municipal court and also that before Daniel H. Wells, justice of the peace, demanding that all who were accused should submit themselves “to be arrested by the same constable, by virtue of the same warrant, and be tried before the same magistrate whose authority has heretofore been resisted. Nothing short of this can vindicate the dignity of violated law and allay the just excitement of the people.” Governor Ford must have blushed with shame when he penned these lines, for he knew he was violating his oath of office and declaring an untruth, for the sake of finding favor with the mob. If his demand was not complied with he threatened to come with sufficient force to execute his order. “You know the excitement of the public mind,” he said. “Do not tempt it too far. A very little matter may do a very great injury; and if you are disposed to continue the causes of excitement and render a force necessary to coerce submission, I would say that your city was built, as it were, upon a keg of powder which a very little spark may explode.”“And I will,”he continued,“also guarantee the safety of all such persons as may thus be brought to this place from Nauvoo either for trial or as witnesses for the accused.”
The same day (June 22) the Prophet respectfully replied to this cravenly penned communication, defending his course and denying the false accusations contained in the governor’s letter. He called attention to the promises made in Missouri, but when witnesses came they were cast into prison, and since “a burnt child dreads the fire,” they were not to be blamed if they refused to place themselves in the hands of a blood-thirsty mob openly making threats to take their lives. The Prophet expressed a willingness to go before any other justice in the state, except at Carthage, or before the circuit court, but did not feel legally bound to go to Carthage to be butchered.
The governor’s letter to Joseph Smith caused no small surprise among the Saints. It was evident that they could not look to him for help, for he had joined himself entirely with their enemies. He had ignored the law; refused to recognize the legality of the courts, and the right of a fair and impartial trial before an unprejudiced judge and jury.
So serious had the matter become that a letter was sent to President Brigham Young and the apostles who were in the mission field, instructing them to return to Nauvoo at once. The Prophet had previously (June 20) advised his brother Hyrum to take his family and go at once by steamboat to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied: “Joseph, I can’t leave you,” whereupon Joseph remarked to his brethren, “I wish I could get Hyrum out of the way, so that he may live to avenge my blood, and I will stay with you and see it out.”
In the afternoon of June 22, Joseph was in consultation with Hyrum Smith, John Taylor, Willard Richards and Dr. John M. Bernhisel, when it was decided that he should go to Washington and lay the whole difficulty before President Tyler. At dusk another consultation was held, when the Prophet called these same brethren and William W. Phelps, Abraham C. Hodge, John L. Butler, Alpheus Cutler and William Marks, to his office in his upper room. The governor’s letter was read and the Prophet said, “There is no mercy—no mercy here.” Hyrum said, “No; just as sure as we fall into their hands we are dead men.” Joseph replied, “Yes: what shall we do, Brother Hyrum?” Hyrum replied, “I don’t know.” All at once the Prophet’s countenance brightened up and he said, “The way is open. It is clear to my mind what to do. All they want is Hyrum and myself; then tell everybody to go about their business, and not to collect in groups, but to scatter about. There is no doubt they will come here and search for us. Let them search; they will not harm you in person or property, and not even a hair of your head. We will cross the river tonight, and go away to the West.” On this date Joseph wrote: “I told Stephen Markham that if Hyrum and I were ever taken again we should be massacred, or I was not a prophet of God. I want Hyrum to live to avenge my blood, but he is determined not to leave me.”
Between nine and ten o’clock Hyrum Smith came out of the Mansion House and gave his hand to Reynolds Cahoon, saying, “A company of men are seeking to kill my brother Joseph, and the Lord has warned him to flee to the Rocky Mountains to save his life. Good-bye, Brother Cahoon, we shall see you again.” A few minutes later, as Joseph, Hyrum and Willard Richards were waiting on the river bank, William W. Phelps was instructed to take the families of the Prophet and Patriarch to Cincinnati. About midnight the three brethren were rowed across the river by Orrin P. Rockwell, who returned with instructions to obtain horses and pass them over the river the next night secretly, and be ready to start for the Great Basin in the Rocky Mountains.
At ten o’clock on the morning of the 23rd the governor’s posse arrived in Nauvoo to arrest the Prophet, but not finding him they returned, leaving one of their number to watch for him. This posse said that if Joseph and Hyrum Smith were not given up the governor was determined to send his troops into the city and guard it until they were found, if it took three years.
At one p.m. Emma Smith sent Orrin P. Rockwell to entreat the Prophet to come back. Reynolds Cahoon accompanied him with a letter to the same effect. Reynolds Cahoon, Lorenzo D. Wasson and Hiram Kimball accused Joseph of cowardice for wishing to leave the people, saying that their property would be destroyed, and they would be left without house or home. Like the fable, when the wolves came the shepherd ran from the flock.
The persecutions of enemies were easy to bear, but when he was thus accused by those who should have been his dearest friends, the Prophet was stung to the quick. It was not for himself he sought safety, but for his people. If this was all they cared, he would not seek to save himself. He replied: “If my life is of no value to my friends, it is of none to myself.” Turning to Rockwell he said, “What shall I do?” Rockwell answered: “You are the oldest and ought to know best; and as you make your bed, I will lie with you.” Joseph then turned to Hyrum and said: “Brother Hyrum, you are the oldest, what shall we do?” Hyrum said, “Let us go back and give ourselves up, and see the thing out.” The Prophet remained in deep reflection for some time, and then remarked: “If you go back I will go with you, but we shall be butchered.” Hyrum said, “No, no; let us go back and put our trust in God, and we shall not be harmed. The Lord is in it. If we live or have to die, we will be reconciled to our fate.”
They then returned, and the first thing the Prophet did was to notify Governor Ford, by the hands of Theodore Turley and Jedediah M. Grant, that he would be ready to go to Carthage on the morrow. The governor promised to send a posse to protect him on the way, but through the influence of the Nauvoo conspirators, he changed his mind and ordered the Prophet and Patriarch to come to Carthage without escort.
Early on the morning of the 24th of June, Joseph and Hyrum with the accused members of the city council and a few tried friends, left Nauvoo for Carthage. On the way the Prophet hesitated, and looked back with admiration upon the city, the temple, and his farm. “This is the loveliest place, and the best people under the heavens,” he said; “little do they know the trials that await them!” They passed the home of Esq. Daniel H. Wells, who was unwell. The Prophet stopped and called on him, and as he parted, he said: “Squire Wells, I wish you to cherish my memory, and not think me the worst man in the world either.”
About four miles from Carthage, they met Captain Dunn with a company of about sixty mounted militia, who presented the Prophet with an order from the governor for delivery of all the state arms in possession of the Nauvoo Legion, which Joseph promptly countersigned. It was not enough for the governor to demand the presence of the Prophet and Patriarch at Carthage to be murdered, but the people in Nauvoo were to be left defenseless against their enemies. This order for the delivery of the state arms was evidently intended to exasperate the Saints to commit some overt act, which might be construed as treason. Fearing that the inhabitants of Nauvoo would show resistance, Captain Dunn requested that the whole company return with him to Nauvoo, and pledged to protect them even with his life. A messenger was sent to the governor explaining the reason for the return to Nauvoo. Notwithstanding the many threats, which the governor constantly had heard against the lives of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, no action was taken to disarm the mob, who were mustered into the governor’s service. It appeared very much like a repetition of the Missouri scenes, in making the Saints defenseless while in a peaceful attitude, and arming their murderous enemies with state arms.
When the company met Captain Dunn, the Prophet said:
“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am as calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, ‘He was murdered in cold blood!’”
“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am as calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, ‘He was murdered in cold blood!’”
When the work of Captain Dunn was accomplished, he thanked the people for their peaceful compliance and promised them protection. Late that afternoon the journey to Carthage was commenced again. It was midnight when the company arrived at that town, and while passing the public square many of the troops of the Carthage Greys made murderous threats. “Stand away, you McDonough boys,” they yelled, “and let us shoot the damned ‘Mormons’” “—— you, old Joe, we’ve got you now. Clear the way and let us have a view of Joe Smith, the prophet of God. He has seen the last of Nauvoo. We’ll use him up now, and kill all the damned Mormons.”
On hearing these threats Governor Ford put his head out of a window and said, “I know your great anxiety to see Mr. Smith, which is natural enough, but it is quite too late tonight for you to have the opportunity; but I assure you, gentlemen, you shall have that privilege tomorrow morning, as I will cause him to pass before the troops upon the square, and I now wish you, with this assurance, quietly and peaceably to return to your quarters.” With a faint “Hurrah for Tom Ford,” they complied with his wish.
Early on the morning of the 25th the prisoners voluntarily surrendered themselves to Constable Bettisworth. Shortly afterwards Joseph and Hyrum were again arrested by Bettisworth on the charge of “treason” against the state of Illinois, on complaint of Augustine Spencer and Henry O. Norton.
Shortly after eight o’clock Governor Ford called all the troops together and formed them in a hollow square. He then addressed them in a most inflammatory manner against the Prophet Joseph and the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. They needed little encouragement, as he well knew, for they even then were inflamed to a murderous degree. At the close of his speech he fulfilled his promise to the troops as they were drawn up in file, by taking Joseph and Hyrum Smith before them, and introduced them as Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Carthage Greys refused to receive them by such title, and made threats against their lives, to which the governor paid little heed.
When Joseph Smith reported to Governor Ford that he had been before Daniel H. Wells, a justice of the peace, and had been tried, the governor replied that no other justice would do to try the case but the one who had issued the writ, therefore they must be tried before Justice Morrison. His lack of sincerity is shown in the fact that they were now taken before Justice Robert F. Smith, captain of the Carthage Greys and a most bitter mobocrat. The governor’s object was to drag them to Carthage to their enemies, and there was no thought of justice or right in making his demand. The accused brethren were bound over to appear at the next term of the circuit court. It was evident that the magistrate intended to place their bail at a figure which could not be met, in order to cast them into jail, but the bond was given, and Justice Smith left the court house without calling on the two prisoners, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, to answer to the charge of treason.
About eight p.m. Constable Bettisworth appeared at their lodgings at the Hamilton House and insisted on Joseph and Hyrum going to jail. They demanded to see the copy of the mittimus, which was refused. Their counsel, Messrs. H. T. Reid and J. W. Woods, informed the constable that they were entitled to a hearing before a justice, whereupon the constable produced a mittimus which falsely stated that they had been brought before Justice Robert F. Smith and the trial had been postponed by reason of the absence of material witnesses. They vigorously protested against such false and outrageous proceedings. Justice Smith asked the governor for advice, since his mittimus was illegal, and therefore this was a false committal, when Governor Ford replied, “You have the Carthage Greys at your command!” The hint was sufficient, andCaptainRobert F. Smith thereupon commanded his “Greys” to execute the illegal action ofJusticeRobert F. Smith, and the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum Smith were thrust into jail in defiance of all law. Elder John Taylor protested to the governor, but was answered by that craven individual that he had no power to interfere, and the law must take its course.
On the morning of June 26, Joseph requested an interview with Governor Ford, which had been denied him the day before. This time it was granted and the whole cause of the trouble was reviewed. Governor Ford contemplated going to Nauvoo the following day to investigate certain charges of counterfeiting, and the Prophet said he considered himself unsafe in Carthage and requested to be taken to Nauvoo. The governor gave his word of honor that he would take him when he went, but failed to keep his promise.
In the afternoon, Frank Worrell appeared before the jail with the Carthage Greys and demanded that the prisoners be delivered up to the constable to be taken before Justice R. F. Smith for trial. The jailer, who had been instructed to keep them in custody “until discharged by due course of law,” protested such proceedings; but by threats Worrell compelled the jailer to surrender the prisoners. They were taken before Justice Smith, where their counsel, who had been given no notice of a trial, asked for a continuance that they might obtain witnesses. A continuance was granted until noon the following day. A new mittimus was made out and the prisoners committed again to prison, and without consultation on their part the time of trial was changed until the twenty-ninth.
It was common conversation on the camp ground and at the hotel, in the presence of Governor Ford, that “The law is too short for these men, but they must not be suffered to go at large;” and “if the law will not reach them, powder and ball must.” Previously the governor had said, in order to quiet the impatience of the Carthage Greys, that they should have “full satisfaction.”
The evening of the 26th of June was spent by the prisoners and a number of friends, viz., John Taylor, Willard Richards, John S. Fullmer, Stephen Markham and Dan Jones, in conversing on the scriptures, Hyrum Smith occupying most of the time. They all retired to bed late, except Dr. Willard Richards who sat up writing until his last candle burned out. The Prophet and Patriarch occupied the bed, while the other brethren slept on a mattress on the floor. The report of a gun caused Joseph to arise from the bed, and going over to the mattress, he lay down on the floor between Dan Jones and John S. Fullmer. Stretching out his right arm he said to John S. Fullmer, “Lay your head on my arm for a pillow, Brother John.” He then conversed with Brother Fullmer on many topics and gave expression to the presentiment he had from the beginning that he was to die. “I would like to see my family again,” he said, and “I would to God that I could preach to the Saints in Nauvoo once more.” After air was quiet he turned to Dan Jones and whispered, “Are you afraid to die?” Dan said, “Has that time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death would have many terrors.” The Prophet replied, “You will yet see Wales and fulfil the mission appointed you before you die.”
Early on the morning of the 27th, John P. Greene and William W. Phelps called at the jail, and the Prophet sent Dan Jones out to inquire what the firing of a gun in the night near the jail was for. Frank Worrell, of the Carthage Greys, and officer of the guard, replied, “We have had too much trouble to bring Old Joe here to let him ever escape alive, and unless you want to die with him you had better leave before sundown; and you are not a damned bit better than him for taking his part. And you’ll see that I can prophesy better than Old Joe, for neither he nor his brother, nor anyone who will remain with them will see the sun set today.” Dan Jones reported to the Prophet who directed him to go to the governor and tell him what had taken place. On his way he overheard an officer making a speech, in which he said, “Our troops will be discharged this morning in obedience to orders, and for a sham we will leave the town; but when the governor and the McDonough troops have left for Nauvoo this afternoon, we will return and kill these men, if we have to tear the jail down.” This was greeted by three cheers from the troops.
Jones immediately reported to the governor what he had heard. Governor Ford replied: “You are unnecessarily alarmed for the safety of your friends, sir, the people are not that cruel.” Irritated by this remark, Jones urged the necessity of placing better men to guard the jail, and he said: “The Messrs. Smith are American citizens, and have surrendered themselves to your Excellency upon your pledging your honor for their safety; they are also Master Masons, and as such I demand of you protection of their lives.”
Governor Ford’s face turned pale, and Jones continued: “If you do not do this, I have but one more desire, and that is, if you leave their lives in the hands of those men to be sacrificed—”
“What is that, sir?” Ford asked in a hurried tone.
“It is,” said Jones, “that the Almighty will preserve my life to a proper time and place, that I may testify that you have been timely warned of their danger.”
Jones then returned to the prison, but the guards drove him away. Going to the hotel he witnessed the discharge of the troops, as the officer had predicted, and shortly afterwards Governor Ford with the McDonough militia, the most friendly to the Saints, departed for Nauvoo, leaving the Carthage Greys, the most blood-thirsty of the troops, to guard the jail. The plot was working admirably without a hitch in the proceedings.
John S. Fullmer and Stephen Markham, who had gone forth on errands, were also refused admittance again to the jail, while John Taylor and Willard Richards remained with their leaders. The day passed on, the prisoners and their two friends spent the time in bearing testimony to the truth of the Gospel, the divinity of the Book of Mormon, and in writing to their friends. Almon W. Babbitt called at the jail in the forenoon with a letter from Oliver Cowdery. Shortly after three o’clock there was excitement among the guards.
At this hour Elder John Taylor sang the hymn “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” When he had finished, the Prophet asked him to sing it through once more, which he did. At four o’clock the guard was changed. At five o’clock the jailer, Mr. Stigall, suggested that the prisoners retire to the cell below, where they would be safer.
Shortly after five o’clock there was a rustling at the outer door of the jail and a cry of surrender, and the discharge of three or four firearms. Dr. Richards glanced out of the window and saw about one hundred armed men around the door. Many of them had their faces blackened. It is said the guard elevated their guns and boisterously threatened the mob, but took good care to fire over their heads. The mob encircled the building and some of them rushed past the guard up the flight of stairs, burst open the door and began their work of death, while others fired through the windows. Joseph, Hyrum and Elder Taylor had their coats off. The Prophet sprang for his coat to get a six barreled pistol which Cyrus Wheelock had given him, and Hyrum reached for a single barrel pistol that had been left by John S. Fullmer. They all then braced themselves against the door, Elder Taylor armed with a heavy walking stick of Elder Markham’s and Dr. Richards with Elder Taylor’s cane. In an instant a ball whistled up the stairway, and Joseph Smith, John Taylor and Willard Richards sprang to the left of the door, and tried to knock aside the guns of the ruffians. Hyrum Smith retreated back and in front of the door, snapping his pistol, when a ball struck him on the left side of the nose. He fell on his back saying: “I am a dead man!” As he fell on the floor another ball from the outside entered his left side, and passed through his body with such force that it completely broke to pieces the watch he wore in his vest pocket. At the same instant another ball grazed his breast, entered his throat, and passed into his head, while another was fired into his leg. A shower of bullets was pouring into the room. Joseph reached around the door casing and discharged his six shooter into the passage, some barrels missing fire, while Elders Taylor and Richards continued to parry the muskets which were sticking through the door. When Hyrum fell, the Prophet said: “Oh, dear brother Hyrum!” Seeing there was no safety in the room, and without doubt thinking to spare his other companions, he turned calmly from the door, dropped his pistol on the floor, and sprang into the window. Two balls pierced him from the door, and one entered his right breast from without. He fell outward into the hands of his murderers, exclaiming: “O Lord, my God!” With a cry that he had jumped from the window, the assassins who were in the building rushed down the stairs. Elder Taylor was also severely wounded; four balls piercing his body, one ball struck his watch as he attempted to jump from the window, throwing him back into the room.
When the ruffians left the building, Elder Richards who had miraculously escaped, except that a ball grazed his ear, started for the door. Elder Taylor called to him; he returned and carried the wounded man upstairs into the “dungeon” and stretched him on the floor. Covering him with a bed, he said: “This is a hard case to lay you on the floor, but if your wounds are not fatal, I want you to live to tell the story.” He then returned to the room below, expecting the next moment to be shot.
After accomplishing their deed of blood, terror seized the hearts of the assassins who fled from the scene of their diabolical crime in utmost confusion. Governor Ford, three miles out of Nauvoo, on his way to Carthage, met George D. Grant and Constable Bettisworth hastening to Nauvoo with the news of the martyrdom. With terror on his countenance, he carried them back to Carthage, that they might not spread the awful tale, until he should be at a distance beyond the vengeance which he feared. Arriving at Carthage, he advised the citizens to flee for their lives before the infuriated “Mormons” came to burn their town, and suiting action to his words he fled with his posse towards Quincy. Conscience-stricken and with the blood of prophets on his hands, he did not stop until he arrived at Augusta, eighteen miles away.
In the meantime word of the horrible tragedy was sent by Dr. Willard Richards to Nauvoo. He said he had pledged his word to the frightened citizens of Carthage, that no violence or vengeance would be attempted by the Saints, and for the Saints to keep the peace and be prepared for an attack from Missouri. Indeed, there was no thought of summary vengeance by the Saints. With heads bowed down and hearts filled with grief—for the greatest sorrow in all their history had come upon them—they silently wept and prayed, leaving vengeance to Him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay!”
The next day, June 28, 1844, the bodies of the martyred prophets were taken to Nauvoo by Dr. Willard Richards, Samuel H. Smith and a guard of eight soldiers sent by General Deming. On the 29th, they were interred amidst the deep mourning of a stricken people.